UPDATE 2:
A newly released video shows the moment a violent criminal opened fire on law enforcement.
Body Cam video from the Hillsborough County deputy who returned fire, along with two Pasco County deputies and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, shows the moment they arrived at the crash site of the suspect, Eric Blaszczyk, 37, who was involved in a domestic violence shooting in Pasco County earlier in the morning.
Deputy Nathan Vandam can be seen arriving at the scene and ducking for cover behind a PSO SUV when Blaszczyk shoots at deputies. Deputy Vandam returns fire during a long and tense situation where his and other law enforcement officials lives are threatened.
"We are fortunate that none of the law enforcement heroes responding to this savage disregard of life by the suspect were injured or killed," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies face danger every time they put on the badge, but do so knowing they are protecting their family and the residents of Hillsborough County.”
Eric Blaszczyk has 54 felony charges against him in his criminal history and at least 31 convictions. He spent four years in Florida State Prison for burglary.
The second half of the video is footage from Pasco Sheriff’s Office at the scene as well. For more information on the events preceding from Pasco County, please see the press release from PSO.
This is still an active investigation; any further information will come from the Public Affairs Office.
______________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 1:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is investigating a multi-jurisdictional deputy-involved shooting of a suspect whose criminal activity spanned several counties.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, just after 2:20 a.m., the Pasco Sheriff's Office (PSO) alerted law enforcement agencies in Tampa Bay of a suspect on the run after a domestic violence incident in Wesley Chapel, where he shot one woman.
Law enforcement officers from PSO, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and HCSO encountered the suspect as he made his way through the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. As he tried to elude law enforcement, he crashed his vehicle in a retention pond off Hidden River Parkway and East Fletcher Avenue.
Jumping out of the vehicle, he started to run, pointing a firearm and shooting several times at law enforcement. One HCSO deputy, two PSO deputies, and one FHP trooper took cover and returned fire. The suspect ran behind an office building, where he was finally apprehended. He sustained several injuries related to the shootout and was taken to TGH, where doctors declared him deceased.
"This depraved criminal thought he could bring his reign of terror into Hillsborough County while families were sleeping," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "He was certainly mistaken. The deputies and trooper stopped him from endangering or hurting anyone else."
The HCSO deputy involved is Nathan Vandam. He has been with the agency since 2020 and has no history of use of force.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputy-involved shooting. Per agency protocol, the deputy involved is on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
This is an active investigation. Any further information will come from the HCSO's Public Affairs Office.
HCSO and PSO are working to release the Body Worn Camera video. As soon as it's available, it will be released to the media.
______________________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is on scene of a multi-jurisdictional deputy-involved shooting. Sheriff Chad Chronister is on the scene.
Media planning to attend should stage at Hidden River Parkway just off East Fletcher Avenue.
At this time, there is no threat to the public.
Members of the HCSO Public Affairs Office are at the scene including Chief Communications Officer Amanda Granit, and Public Relations Coordinators Marco Villarreal and Carolina Montelongo. More information to follow.
