Suspect Fatally Shot in Venice Standoff Reportedly Breached Pretrial Release Terms

Key Information

• Victim: Anthony Bottoni, 32
• Date of Incident: Two days after April 30 (specific date not provided)
• Location: Home of Anthony Bottoni, Venice, FL
• Charges: Three counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, driving with a revoked/suspended license, possession of paraphernalia, tampering with evidence
• Law Enforcement Agencies Involved: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, SWAT, Hostage Negotiation Team
• Outcome: Bottoni shot while armed; pronounced dead at the scene
• Investigation Status: Ongoing

Court records reveal that Anthony Bottoni, 32, was placed on supervised pretrial release on April 30, with conditions mandating no drug use and random drug testing. However, Bottoni allegedly failed to report to pretrial services since July 16, missing required check-ins on June 25 and July 9, as well as urinalysis tests on July 24 and August 7.

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Facing several charges, including three counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, driving with a revoked or suspended license, possession of paraphernalia, and tampering with evidence, Bottoni’s pretrial release was subsequently revoked by a Sarasota County judge. An arrest warrant was issued without bond.

Just two days later, Bottoni was shot and killed at his home after allegedly refusing to comply with deputies who were serving the warrant. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, he pointed a gun at officers and ignored verbal commands to drop the weapon.

Upon arrival, deputies confronted Bottoni inside his home and gave him verbal commands to exit. Despite this, he allegedly refused. The Fugitive Apprehension Unit then forced entry, reportedly finding him armed with a gun.

As deputies requested backup from SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team, Bottoni exited his residence still holding the firearm. When commanded to drop the weapon, he did not comply. A deputy attempted to use a Taser, but it failed to subdue him. Bottoni allegedly aimed his weapon at the deputies, necessitating their response to open fire, resulting in him being shot.

Life-saving efforts were initiated until EMS arrived, but Bottoni was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the encounter.

Currently, an investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area.

As the situation unfolded, authorities approached Bottoni inside his home to implement the arrest warrant around 11 a.m. Shots were fired during the confrontation, resulting in his death. The sheriff expressed gratitude for the training provided to deputies.

Details concerning the warrant remain undisclosed, but the sheriff’s office continues to ask the public to steer clear of the vicinity.