SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — A suspect is dead after a traffic chase led to a deputy-involved shooting on South Tamiami Trail.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) said the driver of a gray Honda Civic refused to stop during an attempted traffic stop on Philippi Street and South Tamiami Trail. SCSO began to chase the vehicle and initiated a PIT maneuver, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.
A deputy then excited a patrol vehicle and approached the driver, who was later identified as 32-year-old Michael Bajorek.
As the deputy approached, Bajorek suddenly accelerated his vehicle and drove towards the deputy, pinning them between the patrol car and Bajorek's car.
Bajorek then continued driving north on Shade Ave. and turned onto Webber Street. Deputies once again attempted to approach the suspect on foot, and he again attempted to drive at them. That's when a deputy opened fire, striking Bajorek through the vehicle.
The vehicle continued to travel across Webber St. and came to rest against a tree behind a residence.
Deputies pulled the driver from the car and attempted life-saving measures, but the driver was pronounced dead on the scene.
One deputy was taken to the hospital with an injured leg.
