Four Citrus County deputies shot and killed a man who was allegedly holding a woman in a headlock with a knife at a BP petrol station in Crystal River, Florida.
The incident happened shortly before 5pm on Saturday, 7 November, near Northeast Third Avenue, after deputies received reports of an armed man at the station.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the man was holding the woman with one arm, a knife in the other and a dog on a lead. Several bystanders reportedly tried to calm the situation before law enforcement arrived.
One bystander who was legally carrying a firearm drew it during the confrontation, authorities said. The man then forced the woman to the ground while continuing to hold the knife.
Crystal River deputy-involved shooting
Deputies issued verbal commands after reaching the scene, but the man did not comply and continued to threaten the woman, the sheriff’s office said.
Four deputies opened fire. The man was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries. The woman was also taken to a local hospital for assessment, while no deputies were injured.
Roads around the scene, including US 19 between Northeast Second Avenue and Three Sisters Springs Trail, were closed while investigators worked. Officials said there was no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The identities of the man and woman have not been released. Authorities have not said what led to the confrontation or whether the two knew each other.
All four deputies have been placed on administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the shooting.
