PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A deputy-involved shooting that led to a standoff in Zephyrhills Friday morning was resolved in the early afternoon hours.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said deputies were assisting U.S. Marshals who were serving a warrant to Alfredo Rodriguez, 31, inside a home on Ruth Avenue. Once members of the U.S. Marshals task force entered the home, Rodriguez fired his gun at law enforcement, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said.
A Tampa Police Department officer, who was on the Marshals' task force, then returned fire. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said more deputies arrived at the scene, and Rodriguez allegedly shot at them through a window of the home.
The PCSO said one deputy returned fire at Rodriguez.
After the two exchanges of gunfire, a standoff ensued, with Rodriguez periodically firing at law enforcement on the scene, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said.
Neighbors heard the gunshots as they tried to start their morning routine.
“The minute I grabbed my front door I heard pop, pop, pop," said neighbor Gigi Leahy.
With bullets flying, they evacuated neighbors.
“It’s usually pretty quiet around here. That’s kind of why we moved here," said Leahy.
Many residents here said they were affected, including kids who couldn’t get to school.
“She’s not even wearing shoes. He left with his bearded dragon. They wouldn’t even let us go back and get his backpack. So, yeah, no school for them," said neighbor Warren Baker.
“I’m just like in shock at that time. I’ve never heard gunshots shot at somebody before," said Warren's son, Curtis.
“We got a call from the depot saying the bus couldn’t come get him. All kinds of stuff. It's just been crazy," said Leahy.
Robots were sent into the home to locate the suspect, and negotiations were made to try to get him to come out of the home. Specialty units eventually entered the home and found Rodriguez dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the PCSO said.
The Sheriff's Office said Rodriguez was a "convicted felon with a violent history" and was involved in a homicide investigation in Hernando County. He also had active warrants in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.
