Bradenton, FL, - An investigation is underway in Bradenton after a a man is killed during an altercation with deputies.
It happened just after midnight, Thursday morning in the parking lot of a shopping center at the corner of 53rd Ave. E and 9th Street in Bradenton.
A deputy called in a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot so a second deputy arrived at the scene as backup and both deputies approached the vehicle.
A male subject, identified as 34-year-old Randy Smith, exited the vehicle's front passenger door. Smith was not obeying commands from the deputies and started to come at the deputies in an aggressive manner.
According to a press release from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a physical altercation ensued and one of the deputies was struck in the head. Both deputies deployed their Taser during the incident but Smith continued to resist. During the scuffle, Smith pulled out a gun and one of the deputies shot Smith. Smith was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A witness who was in the vehicle is being interviewed and is being cooperative. The deputies will be placed on routine leave while the shooting is investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.
