Suspect dead after brandishing firearm at Hillsborough deputy during traffic stop: FDLE

TOWN N' COUNTRY, Fla. (WFLA) — A deputy-involved shooting left a suspect dead in Tampa on Saturday night, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

A Hillsborough County deputy conducted a traffic stop for an obscured tag on West Hillsborough Avenue and Elliot Drive outside a Circle K gas station at around 9:15 p.m.

The deputy, 26-year-old Jared Mincemeyer, approached the vehicle and asked to see the driver's hands, who then briefly showed his hands.

When asked to step out of his car, the driver reached for a firearm, according to the FDLE.

Officials said the suspect got out of the car with the firearm, resulting in Deputy Mincemeyer backing away and shooting the suspect.

The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"Our deputy was simply doing his job trying to protect our community when he was forced to defend himself against an armed individual," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "No deputy ever wants to face this situation, but when confronted with a deadly threat, they must act to protect themselves and others. Our deputies put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. It's unfortunate when criminals make choices that lead to fatal outcomes."

The sheriff's office said Deputy Mincemeyer has been with them since October 2022 and has no prior use of force.

Body camera video of the incident, along with the suspect's identity, is expected to be released at a later time.

The FDLE will continue to investigate the deputy-involved shooting.