The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to a multiple agency-involved shooting in Riverview.
On August 22, 2023, just before 10 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force was serving a court-authorized arrest warrant on a suspect who is a known member of the Latin Kings.
Don Robert Astor, 39, from New York, was wanted for his involvement in a 2009 homicide and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Through investigative means, it was determined that Astor was in the area. Task Force members observed the suspect in the passenger seat of a blue Acura RDX on Magnolia Park Boulevard.
While attempting to serve the warrant and conduct a vehicle stop, the driver, Angel Torres Vallejo, 19, backed into a Polk County Sheriff's deputy's vehicle in an attempt to elude. Astor then reached over the driver and fired his gun at the officers.
"Today's incident, where this suspect brazenly fired shots towards law enforcement officers in a reckless attempt to evade arrest, is a stark reminder that our law enforcement community faces dangers on a daily basis," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate violence towards our officers. Our agency receives the highest level of training in de-escalation, but make no mistake; if you threaten the lives of our community members and deputies, you will face the consequences."
Two members of the Tampa Police Department and one Polk County Sheriff's deputy fired their agency-issued firearms, striking the suspect. Astor was pronounced deceased.
"Every day, law enforcement officers protect and serve their local communities," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "The officers who make up the US Marshals Task Force work in partnership to ensure that the most dangerous criminals cannot harm members of our extended community. They are some of the best-trained heroes this region has, and thankfully they will be able to continue their commitment to protect us from some of the nation's most violent offenders.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.
"These types of responses for FDLE are dynamic and ever-changing, so it's critical that we have these partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies," said FDLE's Assistant Special Agent in Charge, J Scanlan.
Following their investigation, the State Attorney's Office will review their findings.
"We are thankful that all of our brave officers on scene today are safe," said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. "We appreciate the work they do every day. My office will review all of the facts and evidence to ensure the laws were followed."