Tampa, Fla. – A tense confrontation in Bayonet Point ended tragically on Sunday night when deputies from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office shot and killed a suspect who was armed with a gun.
The incident took place at a home on Princeton Drive, where deputies had been searching for 41-year-old Matthew Vincent Phillips. According to investigators, Phillips had multiple felony warrants and had been on the run since Friday.
Deputies found Phillips at his home around 9:30 p.m. and spent about half an hour trying to convince him to come out peacefully. However, the situation escalated when Phillips emerged through the back door holding a gun. He threatened the deputies and their K9, which led to them opening fire.
Body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows the intense moments leading up to the shooting. The video captures how quickly the situation turned dangerous.
Inside the home, there were children and another adult at the time of the incident, but thankfully, they were not harmed.
Sheriff Chris Nocco addressed the media early Monday, shedding light on what led to the deadly encounter. According to Nocco, Phillips had made it clear he wasn’t going back to prison. “He said he was not going back to prison and he would have a shootout with law enforcement,” Nocco shared. He emphasized that the deputies had only seconds to react and were in fear for their lives, as well as the life of the K9.
Phillips had a lengthy criminal history, including 26 felony arrests and 18 misdemeanors. His record also included an active warrant at the time of the incident.
As is standard procedure, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the case.
