Pinellas Park Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man During Domestic Call

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Detectives assigned to the Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force are investigating a Pinellas Park police officer-involved shooting early Tuesday morning.

Around 12:40 a.m., Pinellas Park police responded to a domestic call at 5000 94th Ave. N in Pinellas Park involving an argument between a Jared Daniel Rudderham, 36, of Mangrove Street North, St. Petersburg, and his girlfriend. Fearing for her safety, the girlfriend called 911.

When Pinellas Park police Cpl. Graham Fox arrived, he saw Rudderham in the back yard holding what he believed to be a cell phone. Officers Cameron Williams, Christian Raymond and Ryan Poletz went around the other side of the home and, as they entered the back yard, they said Rudderham removed a semi-automatic Glock 19 pistol from his waistband.

Fox and Williams said they saw Rudderham rack the firearm and turn toward Williams, and Williams fired, striking Rudderham four times.

Rudderham was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he was pronounced dead.

Williams, 30, has been with the Pinellas Park police since May 21, 2014.

Rudderham has a lengthy criminal history, including burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence, DUI, aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon, false imprisonment, criminal mischief, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct and domestic battery.