Deputy Fatally Shoots Armed Individual Outside Home in Venice, Says Sarasota County Sheriff

Excerpt: In an incident that unfolded on Wednesday morning in Venice, Florida, deputies fatally shot a 32-year-old man, Anthony Bottoni, who was armed and defied law enforcement commands. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the sequence of events began around 11 a.m. when deputies from the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Patrol Unit went to a residence on Golf Club Lane to carry out an active warrant; details regarding the warrant remain undisclosed.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that Bottoni was inside the home but he refused to exit when asked. Consequently, the deputies gained entry and discovered Bottoni had armed himself with a firearm. In response, deputies retreated to the backyard and called for specialized units, including SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams, to help manage the situation.

Shortly thereafter, Bottoni emerged from the house still holding the weapon, but again refused to comply with orders to drop it. A deputy employed a Taser in an attempt to incapacitate him; however, this effort proved ineffective. According to the sheriff’s office, Bottoni then aimed his gun at the deputies, leading them to respond with deadly force.

Despite efforts by deputies to perform life-saving measures, officials from the Sarasota County Fire Department pronounced Bottoni dead at the scene.