KISSIMMEE, FL — A husband of a woman fatally shot by an Osceola County Sheriff’s deputy was tased and detained following a deadly confrontation outside a Kissimmee bar Saturday night. Another man was arrested on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer. Witnesses have since come forward questioning how the deputy handled the confrontation, raising a lot of questions.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. on November 14 at Sun on the Beach restaurant and bar, located at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.
Deputies responding to a disturbance encountered an altercation involving a man and a woman that had started inside the establishment.
Authorities identified the woman as 35-year-old Dannie Darlene Rodriguez of Kissimmee. Investigators say Rodriguez had pulled a handgun and was following a man while pointing the weapon at his back.
The confrontation continued outside, where deputies repeatedly ordered Rodriguez to drop the firearm. According to investigators, she refused to comply and pointed the handgun at the man when he turned to face her.
Fearing imminent serious bodily harm to the man or others nearby, a deputy discharged his firearm, striking Rodriguez once. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez’s husband, 37-year-old Anthony Rodriguez, was detained after authorities say he battered a deputy, refused to release him, and was subsequently tased.
However, the Sheriff’s Office decided not to immediately arrest Anthony Rodriguez due to the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. Instead, investigators will forward the battery allegation to the State Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.
A second man, identified as 45-year-old Gary Eugene Head Jr. of Winter Park, was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer.
Witnesses have come forward expressing disagreement with how the deputy handled the situation. Body camera footage of the incident is expected to be released, which could provide additional details about the moments leading up to the shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputy-involved shooting. The deputy, a seven-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has been placed on paid administrative leave.
No deputies or other individuals were injured during the shooting.
Investigators are still attempting to identify the man Rodriguez allegedly threatened with the handgun. Authorities say he left the scene during the confusion following the shooting and are asking him to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: ON SCENE WITNESS
