Indian Shores, FL – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a deputy-involved shooting early this morning following a female driver who fled from a traffic stop that began in Seminole.
According to authorities, the incident started at approximately 1:29 a.m. when deputies attempted a traffic stop on a red Toyota Matrix hatchback near 113th Street and Park Boulevard. The driver, identified as 65-year-old Marina DeFilippo, fled the stop and proceeded westbound on Park Boulevard before heading onto Gulf Boulevard.
Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop in the 17700 block of Gulf Boulevard in Redington Shores. During the stop, DeFilippo ignored commands and continued driving northbound. At one point, she pointed a handgun at an Indian Shores Police officer before ramming multiple patrol vehicles and continuing her attempt to flee. As deputies continued, DeFilippo’s vehicle sustained severe tire damage, at the conclusion drove with only one functioning tire.
Near 20254 Gulf Boulevard, Pinellas deputies deployed their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to perform a PIT maneuver, bringing DeFilippo’s vehicle to a stop. Deputies attempted to subdue her using less-lethal measures, including bean bags and pepper balls, but she continued to resist and crashed into additional vehicles. At approximately 2:03 a.m., seven deputies fired their weapons, striking DeFilippo. She ultimately was removed from the vehicle at approximately 2:28 a.m. after deputies introduced pepper balls and gas into the car. She suffered life-threatening critical injuries, but is stable at this time at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg.
A handgun was recovered from the vehicle, but it is unknown if the woman fired the handgun.
One deputy sustained minor injuries during the crash and is receiving treatment.
The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. They are identified as:
- Lt. Thomas Montgomery
- K9 Corporal Justin Fineberg
- Corporal Brian Hirshman
- Corporal Tyler Reidy
- Deputy Melanie Leib
- Deputy Kyle Kilian
- Deputy Alberto Ortiz
Gulf Boulevard remains closed from the Walsingham Bridge south to 197 Avenue East and is expected to remain closed for several hours as the investigation continues.
The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force has assumed the investigation. Established in 2020, this task force ensures officer-involved shootings are investigated independently of the agency involved.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge, as this is very preliminary information that is subject to change as the investigation continues.