Hollywood Suspect Who Threw “Molotov Cocktails” At SWAT Team During Standoff Killed; Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigating

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Broward SWAT Team
Hollywood SWAT operators responded to the scene to assist. Several hours later, Broward SWAT Team operators responded to the scene and relieved Hollywood SWAT in order to execute a search and arrest warrant for the subject. File photo: Felix Mizioznikov, Shutter Stock, licensed.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Hollywood. According to authorities, at approximately 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, Broward Sheriff’s Threat Management Unit detectives received information regarding an adult male making threats to kill multiple people. Detectives located the subject barricaded at 2720 Dewey Street in Hollywood.

Detectives attempted to make contact with the subject when he refused to leave the residence and threatened to hurt himself. During that time, the subject also made additional threats of violence, this time toward law enforcement on social media. 

Once it was determined that the subject refused to surrender, detectives and police established a perimeter and secured the area. Hollywood SWAT operators responded to the scene to assist. Several hours later, Broward SWAT Team operators responded to the scene and relieved Hollywood SWAT in order to execute a search and arrest warrant for the subject. SWAT Team operators re-established contact with the subject who continued making threatening statements.

For more than twelve hours investigators continually tried to deescalate the situation with non-lethal methods including a crisis negotiator who established contact with the subject. The subject proceeded to escalate the situation refusing to cooperate and becoming more combative throwing “Molotov Cocktails” toward SWAT. The subject proceeded to set his home on fire. Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

Using the smoke as cover, the subject fled from the house into his backyard and hid. An aviation unit was on scene providing ground crew with visuals of the subject carrying a long pole. The subject proceeded to heat that pole with remnants of the fire and took position to attack the deputies. When SWAT operators attempted to take the subject into custody, the subject aggressively lunged toward SWAT using the long pole as a spear. The SWAT operator, fearing for his life, discharged his weapon. Hollywood Fire Rescue transported the subject to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood where he was pronounced deceased. 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is the lead investigative agency regarding the deputy-involved shooting. Per BSO policy, the SWAT operator who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative assignment pending further investigation.

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