Deputies are investigating an deputy-involved shooting that left one man dead.
The shooting happened Saturday (March 16) near US-19 and New York Avenue in Hudson, according to a release from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff's Office officials say that there was an altercation between Paul Smith, 30, and deputies prior to the shooting.
Officials said around 5:30 p.m., a Pasco County deputy believed to have identified a person who is wanted for battery by strangulation near the 7-11 gas station along US-19. In addition, Smith had a significant criminal history of violence
Investigators said the deputy started confronting the suspect, but officials said the suspect tried to ignore the deputy.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, that's when the suspect initiated a physical fight with the deputy.
The fight eventually moved to the suspect's car.
Officials said the suspect drove off with the deputy inside, and witnesses said they saw the deputies legs hanging outside of the vehicle.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office said the deputy told the suspect to stop driving multiple times and tried to use a taser without making progress.
That's when the deputy shot the suspect in order to stop the car.
"Life is all about decisions, and so this suspect decided that he was going to try to fight with the deputy sheriff. He decided to engage in the course of conduct and put the deputy's life in jeopardy. The deputy reacted to their decisions in the actions that the suspect took. Our life is about decisions, and the deputy sheriff decided that he was going to go home tonight," said Colonel Jeffrey Harrington with the sheriff's office.
Officials said the suspect was transported to the hospital and died from the injuries.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said the deputy is OK but they are evaluating his condition right now.
As is standard protocol the deputy is on paid administrative leave.
All lanes of US-19 between New York Avenue and Bolton Avenue are closed during the ongoing investigation.
There is no public safety threat.
