OCALA, Fla. – A Marion County sheriff’s deputy shot a man who pointed a firearm at the deputy while responding to a domestic disturbance on Tuesday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.
The shooting occurred about 2:26 p.m. July 7 in the 14900 block of SW 35th Avenue Road in Ocala, the sheriff’s office said. The man was identified as James Cherry, 39.
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Officials said Cherry arrived at the home to confront his estranged wife and tried to force his way in after she refused to let him enter. A third party who overheard the incident called 911 out of concern for the woman’s safety.
When the deputy arrived and made contact with Cherry, the sheriff’s office said, Cherry wielded a firearm, did not drop it when ordered and turned toward the deputy. The deputy shot Cherry to eliminate the threat. The deputy began rendering aid until Marion County Fire Rescue arrived.
Cherry was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died, the sheriff’s office said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, and the deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is under way, the sheriff’s office said.