A 59-year-old convicted felon has died after allegedly opening fire on Hernando County deputies during a confrontation in Spring Hill, Florida, on Saturday night.
Kevin Joe Monday was pronounced dead at the scene after two deputies returned fire, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. No deputies were injured.
Spring Hill deputy shooting
The incident followed a domestic disturbance call made at about 2.30pm on Saturday, October 3. Deputies were told that Monday had made violent threats towards a child aged under 10 before leaving the property.
Investigators said Monday was a registered sex offender and had previously been accused of violence towards law enforcement. As a convicted felon, he was also prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Deputies later located his vehicle shortly before 8pm near Hunters Lake Road and Lori Drive. He drove north before stopping near businesses off US 19, south of Applegate Drive.
According to the sheriff’s office, Monday got out of the vehicle and fired directly at a patrol car. The deputy inside avoided being struck by leaning back in the seat and reversing away from the gunfire.
More deputies arrived as Monday continued shooting. Investigators said he fired in several directions, including towards the responding units, and a round struck the window of an empty vehicle in a nearby Arby’s car park.
Two deputies fired back, hitting Monday. He was given medical attention at the scene but later died from his injuries. Authorities said they did not believe the wounds were self-inflicted.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the deputies’ use of their weapons, while the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office continues to examine the earlier domestic allegations and suspected firearm offences.
The two deputies who fired their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave, in line with standard procedure. Officials said there was no continuing threat to the public.
