Deputy-involved shooting leaves 1 dead

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - A deputy-involved shooting is under investigation in Escambia County, Fla. 

Officials with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office report it happened around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, January 27 at a self-storage business in the area of Mobile Highway and Dominguez Street.

Deputies were called out to a report of a burglary in progress. When they arrived at the scene, officials say the deputies encountered the suspect and shots were fired. The suspect was hit and died from his injuries at the scene.

“Deputies go through a lot of training on different situations and levels of force. The last resort is always deadly force. Unfortunately, this incident dictated such efforts. It’s still traumatic for the deputies,” said Deputy Matt Baxter with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

Neighbors who witnessed the crime scene told FOX10 that the suspect couldn’t have been more than 19 or 20 years old.

The incident has also shocked folks in the area like John Porterfield, who said crime in the area has gotten worse.

“My daughter doesn’t go out and play unless we go to the park. Crime has just grown and gotten worse. Someone getting shot and killed here is just sad,” Porterfield said.

Deputy Sheriff Wayne Wright and Deputy 1st class Mark Smith who have served since 2007 and 2005, respectively, were not hurt during the shooting. Both are on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The case has been handed over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The suspect's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.