Suspect dead in deputy-involved shooting in Charlotte County

Charlotte County deputies were involved in a shooting in the parking lot of a Hooters/Denny’s off Tamiami Trail (US-41) and Veterans Boulevard just northeast of Port Charlotte early Thursday morning.

According to deputies, at about 2 a.m., a routine traffic stop escalated when the passenger in a car got out of the vehicle and started firing at two deputies.

Deputies returned fire and injured the shooting suspect, who died from their injuries. The deputies involved were not injured.

“These are, you know, our protectors,” Denise Tejada said. “They are the ones serving us.”

The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave for the purpose of an internal investigation, following standard procedure.

Investigators spent hours at the scene gathering evidence.

“I hate to see it, but that’s the way things are these days,” Craig Vinke said.

CCSO said other people in the car are cooperating with the investigation.

“Keep your eyes open,” Vinke said. “That’s all we can do.”