SARASOTA, Fla. — An overnight car chase led a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputy to shoot and kill a man, the agency said.
It started just after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Phillippi Street and South Tamiami Trail when deputies say they tried to stop a car. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Michael Bajorek, didn't stop and instead led deputies on a chase along Webber Street to the intersection of Lime Avenue.
The sheriff's office says its deputies initiated a PIT maneuver to stop Bajorek's car. When his car stopped, a deputy reportedly got out of his patrol car and tried to walk up to the 32-year-old.
However, Bajorek tried to "ram" the deputy with his car, resulting in the deputy firing his gun, and hitting Bajorek, authorities said.
The shooting caused Bajorek to crash into the back of a home on Webber Street.
He was "quickly" pulled from his car; deputies say they and Sarasota County Fire Rescue crews attempted to save his life. Bajorek died from his injuries.
A deputy hurt their leg and wrist during the incident when Bajorek pinned the deputy between his car and the patrol vehicle, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.
Webber Street between South Tamiami Trail and South Shade Avenue was closed for several hours on Tuesday morning but has now been reopened.