SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — A suspect was shot and killed after multiple attempted carjackings in Hillsborough County.
According to deputies, the incident happened around 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday in the parking lot of the Publix located at 4854 Sun City Blvd.
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During a press conference, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the suspect was walking around with a semi-automatic handgun as he attempted to carjack multiple victims. After realizing the vehicles were locked, the suspect then tried to enter the businesses in the shopping plaza.
"A couple of them (the employees) even grabbed the door and were trying to secure the door," Sheriff Chronister said. "I have to note that at one point, as he was trying to carjack the cars, one of the Coke delivery individuals even positioned his truck between the suspect and potential victims."
As the suspect walked around, an employee told their supervisor that he might want to check on his vehicle. After going outside to check, he was confronted by the victim. Deputies said the supervisor fired his legally-owned firearm in self defense, hitting the suspect in the upper body. The suspect was transported to South Bay Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
At this time no charges are filed.
"There is an active investigation and we’re working with law enforcement officials. We’re very thankful that our customers were not injured during this incident.” —Publix
Deputies said the suspect has an extensive criminal history involving narcotics. Next of kin has yet to be notified.
Watch press conference below:
The story is developing. Stay with ABC Action News for updates.
