HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A man was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy Tuesday after allegedly choking a 7-year-old child at knife-point during a domestic violence incident, authorities said.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home for reports of a domestic disturbance involving 27-year-old Mario Camacho. When officers arrived, they found Camacho barricaded inside a room with his younger brother.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said Camacho was wearing a motorcycle helmet, two tactical vests, and was holding a knife to the child’s throat. Deputies gave repeated commands for him to release the boy, but Camacho refused.
Fearing for the child’s life, 25-year-old Deputy Antonio Gonzalez discharged his firearm, striking and killing Camacho.
The child was safely rescued and did not sustain serious injuries, officials said.
“This deputy’s quick and decisive action saved a young boy’s life,” Sheriff Chronister stated in a press briefing. “The suspect left our deputies no other option.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, in accordance with standard procedure.
