CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – At approximately 9:30 p.m. last night, Citrus County deputies responded to a residence of South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida in reference to an in-progress domestic disturbance call with shots fired.
When deputies arrived, they found two victims with minor injuries.
According to victim and witness statements, 34-year-old Derek Michael Large of Homosassa was violent and under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
It was reported he had physically battered both victims and fired multiple rounds from his firearm before fleeing the residence before the deputies’ arrival.
CCSO’s K9 Unit, accompanied by deputies, began to track the suspect in the direction fled.
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The K9 ultimately alerted deputies to the suspect, who was still armed with a firearm and hiding underneath a mobile home.
Deputies gave verbal commands for the suspect to surrender; however, he pointed his firearm at deputies. Fearing for their safety and the safety of others, deputies on the scene deployed lethal force.
Multiple shots were fired at the suspect, who was later pronounced deceased on the scene. A semi-automatic pistol was recovered next to the suspect’s hand.
Crime Scene Technicians (CST) responded to process the scene. As with all deputy-involved shooting incidents, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was called to the scene and they will begin their independent investigation.
At this time, three deputies are on paid administrative leave pending the results of FDLE’s investigation. No additional injuries were reported.
“The suspect posed a significant danger to our entire community and most especially the victims involved in this case,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“When an impaired convicted felon recklessly points a handgun at law enforcement, a split-second decision has to be made by our deputies to protect themselves and our citizens. I am extremely grateful our deputies were able to go home at the end of their shift.”
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