The investigation is still in its early stages, but the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported responding to a burglary alert on Carolton Circle.
TAMPA, Fla. — A tragic incident unfolded as a grandmother was fatally shot by a deputy after reportedly injuring her daughter’s hand with a gun during a domestic dispute in Tampa.
Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer, speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, stated that deputies were called to address a burglary report at a residence on Carolton Circle around 5 a.m.
“As we made our way on scene, we received information that our suspect, the grandmother, shot her daughter in the hand,” Maurer said.
Once deputies arrived, they started calling people out of the home. A roommate eventually came out with a child.
“At that time, we safely recovered the roommate and the child,” Maurer said. “Then, our deputies went to the front door of the residence and made entry.”
Two separate teams of deputies entered the home, with one of them rescuing the daughter who was shot, according to Maurer. The chief deputy noted that she appeared to be under the influence.
“It looks like the suspect asked them to drink something,” Maurer said. “Very lethargic and couldn’t keep her balance.”
Meanwhile, the second team cleared the house and made contact with the grandmother, who was barricaded in a back room. After multiple commands, deputies broke through the door to find the grandmother with a gun in her hand.
“She raises the firearm, and the deputy fires and neutralizes the threat,” Maurer said.
While details in the investigation are still in the preliminary stages, Maurer added that the grandmother had been asked to leave the home two days before the shooting happened.
“We need to reach out to our community,” Maurer said on behalf of Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We do a wonderful job of policing and keeping this community safe. Domestic violence is the monster in everyone’s home.”
The chief deputy urged any residents experiencing domestic violence to call the sheriff’s office, adding that anyone struggling with mental illness can contact the Crisis Center of Tampa.
“We can’t help within the confines of your house,” Maurer said. “But if you reach out to us, we will help you.”
