PALM HARBOR, FL — Sad news coming out of Palm Harbor this morning, where a 30-year-old Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an altercation with a fellow deputy outside a gentlemen’s club. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the two deputies had attended a Halloween party in Pasco County before traveling to Silks Gentleman’s Club along U.S. Highway 19 North, where the incident occurred early Saturday, October 24.
Deputies responded to 37100 U.S. Highway 19 North at approximately 2:37 a.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the incident. Upon arrival, deputies discovered David Greis Ospina, 30, inside his vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound.
According to investigators, Ospina and a female deputy, both employed by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, had attended a Halloween party earlier that evening in Pasco County before traveling to Silks Gentleman’s Club in Palm Harbor.
Detectives determined that the two became involved in an altercation in the club’s parking lot before entering Ospina’s truck. Ospina was seated in the driver’s seat while the female deputy was in the back seat.
During the encounter, investigators say Ospina produced a handgun and pointed it at the female deputy before turning the weapon on himself and firing.
The female deputy managed to escape the vehicle and alert patrons at the business, who contacted 911.
Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures before transporting Ospina to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators confirmed that Ospina had served with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office since July 15, 2019.
His next of kin has been notified. The incident remains under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Robbery and Homicide Unit. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: PASCO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
