A potential suicide turned into a deputy-involved shooting in Central Florida, and FDLE is handling the investigation.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting on December 7th at approximately 11:15pm. The local 911 center received a call from a family member concerned their loved one had committed suicide. The family member said they heard gunfire from the bathroom.
When deputies arrived at the residence at Courtney Palm Boulevard in Tampa, they went to the bathroom and opened the door. 67-year-old Anthony Dadante was in the bathtub when deputies entered.
29-year-old Deputy Jose Rodriguez moved the shower curtain back and saw blood on Dadante’s chest and a firearm in his hand. Deputy Rodriguez and Deputy Jenna Roberts asked Dadante to drop the firearm several times. Dadante then pointed the firearm at Deputy Rodriguez, and both deputies shot Dadante, who died from his injuries.
“What began as a response to a potential suicide changed into a life-threatening confrontation that no deputy ever wants to face,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our deputies had to make a tough decision in an instant, and it was the right one.”
According to local law enforcement, Roberts has no prior use of force with HCSO. She has been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since September 2017. Rodriguez has no prior use of force with HCSO. He has been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since March 2022. Dadante has no criminal history, and there have been no prior calls for service at this address.
“If you’re struggling and feeling overwhelmed, know you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay,” Sheriff Chad Chronister added.
If you or a loved one are in need of help and services, you can call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211, which offers 24/7 support.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released the body-worn camera footage of the deputy-involved shooting that occurred on December 7th:
The body-worn camera video is from two deputies on the scene, Deputy Rodriguez’s BWC and Deputy Roberts’s BWC:
FDLE is handling the investigation.
