PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A tense 20-minute negotiation ended in gunfire early Tuesday morning after a woman reportedly forced a confrontation with Pinellas County deputies.
Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy, acting as the lead investigator, described the incident at 2137 Capri Drive as a clear case of “suicide by cop.” The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Megan Ratcliffe, is currently in emergency surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa after being struck by a single bullet.
The chaos began just before 2:00 a.m. when deputies arrived at the home for an “unknown problem.” Ratcliffe claimed she had a handgun hidden inside her jacket, prompting deputies to retreat and call for backup.
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For 18 minutes, investigators say they tried to talk her down while she hid in the shadows of her driveway. When she finally emerged into the street, the situation turned critical.
Chief Gandy reported that as she approached the deputies, she suddenly accelerated and whipped an object out of her coat. Thinking she was pulling a weapon, two veteran deputies opened fire; the object was later identified as a cordless drill.
Both deputies involved have more than a decade of experience with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Following standard protocol for the Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, they have been placed on paid administrative leave while the independent investigation unfolds.
Chief Gandy noted that video from the scene heavily supports the officers’ version of events, pointing to Ratcliffe’s aggressive movements as the direct catalyst for the shooting.
This story is developing.
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