SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — An officer-involved shooting occurred on Tuesday morning after officials responded to reports of a robbery, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Sarasota PD said Robert Briandi, 71, is facing charges of robbery with a weapon, aggravated assault with a weapon without intent to kill, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
On Tuesday, officers responded to reports of an armed robbery near Beneva Road and Fruitville Road around 10:36 a.m.
The victim, an 83-year-old woman, told officers a man came from behind her and tried to grab her purse from her shoulder as she was getting into her vehicle. Sarasota PD said the woman struggled against Briandi as he threatened to cut her with a knife. A witness yelled at Briandi and he walked away in a hurry.
Officials said several people witnessed the attack. One of the witnesses did not want Briandi to get away, so he followed him across Fruitville Road to the Homewood Suites until he saw Sarasota Police officers.
Sarasota PD said Briandi was shot by a Sarasota Police officer after he moved toward the officer with a knife in hand.
The bodycam video of the event can be viewed below. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sarasota PD stated that the suspect was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition following surgery.
Police said the uninjured officer will be placed on paid administrative leave.
FDLE is investigating the incident.
