August 8, 2020
By: Staff Report
SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. – St. Petersburg police officers were dispatched around 9:00 PM Friday night to 4050 4th Street North in reference to a neighbor dispute. While investigating, the suspect, a 55-year-old male, exited the front door of his second-floor residence.
Detectives say Officer Alison Savarese climbed the stairs to the second floor landing to speak with him. The suspect quickly walked towards Officer Savarese in an aggressive manner. When Officer Savarese attempted to detain the suspect, he shoved her backwards and a struggle ensued.
Investigators say the officer and the suspect went to the ground while fighting and when they stood up, the suspect grabbed the officer’s throat and squeezed. Officer Savarese could not breathe and began to notice the suspect was tugging on her belt.
Detectives say Officer Savarese, fearing for her life, fired two rounds at the suspect while she was being actively choked.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force is investigating this officer-involved shooting.
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