TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said investigators are still trying to figure out exactly how many crime scenes they have as a suspect led police on a chase through three counties Saturday morning.

According to Chronister, the incident started as a domestic violence call in Hernando County and moved down into Pasco County. Authorities said the suspect then led police on a pursuit, during which the man repeatedly shot at police.

The suspect eventally crashed into a pond off of East Fletcher Avenue near I-75 in Hillsborough County.

(Spectrum News/Brian Rea)


Chronister said the man got out of his car and continued shooting as he ran behind a business.

Four different officers returned fire and the suspect died from his injuries.

Chronister described what played out this morning as "a very violent incident.

“This reign of terror that occurred, you would only see in an action flick. You would never expect to see it in any of the Tampa Bay surrounding counties," he said.

Authorities are not releasing the man's name until next of kin is notified. The four officers who shot at the suspect are all on paid administrative leave — which is standard procedure — as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigates.