Investigators are still looking into a deputy-involved shooting on March 25 in which a Dunnellon man was killed after refusing to drop his weapon and then allegedly aiming it at Citrus County deputies.
A Dunnellon man was killed on March 25 after showing a gun and being shot dead on the scene.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on March 25, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies initially responded to a residence off of North Windbreak Terrace in Dunnellon in response to a disturbance and verbal altercation.
Upon arrival, deputies met with the complainant, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office statement said. While speaking with the complainant, the suspect returned to the scene in his vehicle. As deputies approached the suspect, he refused to comply with verbal commands, the CCSO said. While failing to comply with verbal commands, the suspect retrieved a weapon, leaving the deputies with no choice but to deploy deadly force to stop the threat, the Sheriff's Office's statement said.
The suspect, later identified as 46-years-old Bryan Thomas Otto of Dunnellon 47, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies are trained to respond appropriately to any threat they come in contact with,”Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said. “We are thankful for their courageous efforts in keeping our community safe.”
As with any deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on scene and investigating this case. Following agency policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the preliminary FDLE investigation.