BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A Hernando County sheriff’s deputy received a bite in the neck before shooting a man during a traffic stop late Thursday night, stated officials.
According to Sheriff Al Nienhuis, the incident happened just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Brooksville Avenue.
What You Need To Know
- Hernando County sheriff’s deputy shot a man during a traffic stop late Thursday
- Incident happened just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Brooksville Avenue
- Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said the deputy was injured when the suspect bit him; the suspect was taken to an area hospital in unknown condition
Authorities said after the traffic stop, the man got out of his vehicle and tried to run off.
When the deputy chased after and caught him, the man attempted to fight back, officials said.
The sheriff's office says their preliminary investigation indicates the suspect, who has been identified as Michael O’Banner, tried to reach for the deputy's gun.
That is when the deputy shot him. O’Banner was taken to the hospital. His condition has not been released.
That is when the deputy shot him. O’Banner, 62, was taken to the hospital. His condition has not been released.
During the struggle and before using his gun, the deputy tried to use a “Taser” on O’Banner, but it had no effect on him, said Nienhuis.
The deputy was injured when the suspect bit him, leaving a “pretty pronounced bit mark on his neck,” Nienhuis said.
The sheriff added that the suspect has a long criminal history in Florida and in other states.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating, which is procedure.