Deputy fires round as man shoots self during Escambia County search
FDLE will independently review the incident after a suspect died from a self-inflicted wound following a pursuit of a rental car.
By Zoe Harrison ·
A man in Escambia County died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Tuesday morning after deputies arrived to locate a rental vehicle with a record of evading police. The death occurred during a follow-up investigation that began at approximately 12:14 a.m. on November 3, 2026. Officials are reviewing the sequence of events that led to the fatal encounter at a property on Sidney Road.
The rental car owner tracked the vehicle to 9508 Sidney Road, which sits off Gulf Beach Highway. Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the address to conduct the investigation. Upon arrival, the suspect ran toward the back of the property. As officers moved in to make contact, the man drew a handgun and paced back and forth.
Deputies issued several verbal commands for the man to drop the weapon. He quickly raised the handgun to his head and fired. One officer discharged a single round during the interaction. Authorities said it is currently unclear if that specific bullet struck the man. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been requested to lead an independent probe into the shooting.
The deputy who fired the round is placed on paid administrative leave while the inquiry continues. The sheriff's office confirmed the investigation is active as they determine the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the officer's discharge.
