News Release 25-044 - Deputy-Involved Shooting in Venice

Date: August 13, 2025
Location: 208 Golf Club Lane, Venice

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a deputy-involved shooting that took place this morning at a residence in Venice.

At 10:58 a.m., deputies from the SCSO’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, along with patrol units, arrived at the scene to execute an active warrant. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the subject, later identified as Anthony Bottoni, was inside the residence. Deputies issued verbal commands for him to exit, but he refused to comply.

Given the circumstances, deputies decided to force entry into the home. Once inside, they discovered that Bottoni had armed himself with a firearm. In response to this escalating situation, deputies withdrew to the backyard and called for assistance from the SWAT team and the Hostage Negotiation Team.

In a matter of minutes, Bottoni exited the residence while still armed. Deputies once again instructed him to drop his firearm. When he did not comply, one of the deputies deployed a Taser in an attempt to incapacitate Bottoni. However, the device was ineffective, and the situation intensified when Bottoni aimed his firearm at the deputies. Faced with a clear and immediate threat to their safety, the deputies responded with deadly force.

After the shooting occurred, deputies promptly attempted life-saving measures on Bottoni. Emergency services, including the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD), arrived shortly thereafter and took over medical efforts. Despite their attempts to revive him, Bottoni was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation into this critical incident is ongoing. The decedent, Anthony Bottoni, was identified as being born on May 6, 1993, and was a resident of the address where the shooting occurred. Authorities have confirmed that the next of kin has already been notified. Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries stemming from this incident.

The SCSO is committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available. As this is an active investigation, further details may take time to be released to the public.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this incident to contact their office directly.