TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man who was allegedly swinging a sword near children on Thanksgiving was shot by Pasco County deputies after he exited his home with a shotgun, according to Sheriff Chris Nocco.
The incident happened in the area of Boland Avenue in Shady Hills, deputies said.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was reportedly in the street earlier Thursday swinging a sword around children and causing fear in the neighborhood, deputies said.
Neighbors told the sheriff’s office that the man was sending them messages that were making them afraid.
At about 7:30 p.m., deputies showed up at the home and found the sword in the backyard. When attempting to get the man to leave the home, he came out of the house with a shotgun, Nocco said.
The man ignored the deputies’ command to drop the weapon and they shot him, Nocco said. The man was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The man had a blood alcohol content of .307, nearly four times the legal limit, Nocco said. Testing will reveal if he had any other substances in his system at the time.
“Everybody just wants to have a peaceful day,” Nocco said.
The sheriff added that he’s thankful everyone is OK.
