Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, at a media conference on Tuesday evening, provided additional details on the murder of Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Scott Pine, killed in the line of duty.
Deputy Pine, who responded to a car break-in late Monday night in the Orlando gated community of Orlando Westminister Landing, was attempting to question Benjamin Holtermann, 28, who matched the description he had received.
“After being detained, Holtermann fled on foot, but then waited at the corner of a house and struck the deputy three times,” Demings said.
Two of the rounds were stopped by Deputy Pine’s bullet proof vest, but one of the bullets possibly entered under his arm into the chest cavity, “mortally wounding” him, the Sheriff also said.
A video link from a Sheriff’s helicopter captured much of what occurred in the shooting death of Deputy Pine, but will not be released at this time.
Holterman was found dead nearby of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Holterman girlfriend, Erica Pugh, 18, was apprehended in the area. She faces multiple burglary charges. Pugh also faces grand theft charges in recent armed robbery in the area of Hiawassee Road and Old Winter Garden Road. She is being held without bond.
“Deputy Pine wanted to make a difference in this community,” said Demings. “Scott acted bravely and gave his life, making a difference so others can sleep safely. Last night we lost not only a hero, but a family grieves for a husband, a son, brother and father.”
While the investigation is ongoing, Demings said, Holterman had previously been arrested on robbery charges. There were also arrest warrants out for him in Virginia and Maryland.
Maryland authorities too, had issued an arrest warrant for Pugh, for allegedly failing to appear in court on a theft charge.
Donations can be made at any Orlando Federal Credit Union branch in the name of the Deputy Jonathan Scott Pine Memorial Fund.
In honor of Deputy Pine, deputies will wear mourning bands until February 24, as a testament to the ultimate sacrifice that Scott made, the Sheriff said.
“We are sad here at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, but we remain focused, as we still have a job to do,” said Demings.
