Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office were called to 2253 Curlew Ave in Dunedin after reports of gunfire. This call for service was shortly after 6 PM on Friday, January 20, 2017.
Multiple deputies learned from neighbors that an armed individual was seen around a nearby lake. They also reported they hear gunshot earlier. Deputies began to search the area and were confronted by the subject.
According to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the subject has been identified as 47 year-old Todd Charles Rowe. Rowe lives at 2249 of Curlew Avenue.
Deputy Chris Lyons was near the embankment of a nearby lake when Rowe came from the backyard of a residence armed with a handgun. Preliminary information indicated that it was a 45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Deputy Lyons attempted to move to a safe location along the embankment but Rowe began pointing the firearm in the direction of the deputy as he moved. Deputy Lyons repeatedly demanded that Rowe drop the firearm but he did not comply. These repeated requests were heard by multiple neighbors on the street. The Sheriff states that Deputy Lyons fired 4-5 rounds with one striking Rowe in the neck.
Rowe has an extensive criminal history and in 2014 deputies had a altercation with him involving a firearm and alcohol.
After Deputy Lyons shot Rowe, paramedics were requested to respond and called for Bayflite to fly the man to the hospital once they evaluated his injuries. He was flown to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. Sheriff Gualtieri states that Rowe is at St. Joseph’s Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
No deputies were physically injured in the altercation.
Rowe will be charged with one count of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
The investigation is continues