Man Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting Identified

HOLIDAY, FL — A man is dead following deputy-involved shooting that began with a Sunday domestic dispute that turned violent.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the agency was notified about the disturbance on Bluejay Drive around 8:55 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. A caller told the agency there was a man armed with a knife and that “he was going to harm law enforcement,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said during a media conference.

The man the caller referenced was identified by the sheriff's office as Eric St. Germain, 39, Monday afternoon.

When deputies arrived at the home, the victim from the domestic disturbance came out. The pregnant woman, Nocco said, had been battered and told deputies her St. Germain, her boyfriend, wanted "suicide by cop.”

That began a lengthy standoff, during which time authorities learned from a neighbor the initial dispute began earlier in the evening. Around 7 p.m., a neighbor saw St. Germain spit on his pregnant girlfriend and raise an arm, Nocco said. A short time later, the neighbor heard him yell out to call the cops.

Nocco said deputies attempted to negotiate with St. Germain to get him to come out peacefully. Two hours passed as deputies tried to de-escalate the situation, Nocco said.

Deputies used tear gas to try and entice St. Germain from leaving the home. They also deployed a robot, Nocco said.

Deputies ultimately entered the house and found a bathroom sealed off with towels to stop tear gas from entering the room. When deputies opened the door, Nocco said, they found St. Germain inside armed with a knife. Deputies say he charged at them, Nocco added.

St. Germain was struck with a taser, but it had no effect, Nocco said. He was subsequently shot and died at the scene.

“His actions dictated our reactions,” Nocco said. “It is very sad he wanted suicide by cop. We wanted a peaceful solution. He did not.”

On Monday afternoon, the sheriff's office released the name of the deputy who fired the shot. He is Josuah Anton, 34. He has been with the sheriff's office since January 2012.

"Anton is on paid administrative leave, which is normal protocol for these types of incidents," an email from the agency said.

Further details about the incident have not yet been released.

Image via Shutterstock