Obituary, Death Anthony Ray Gamez, 40, Identified as Man Fatally Shot by Deputies at Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City; Bodycam Footage Shows Gamez Advancing Towards Deputies with Railroad Spike, Prompting Use of Force”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man shot and killed by deputies on Tuesday as Anthony Ray Gamez, a 40-year-old individual who was reportedly causing a disturbance at the Divine Mercy Prayer Center in Plant City.
According to the HCSO, Gamez was seen banging on windows and making threats to kill individuals inside the prayer center, located off South Frontage Road. Deputies Robert Sanchez and Jacob St. John responded to the scene, where they observed Gamez holding a railroad spike, growling, and pacing behind an iron fence.
Bodycam footage captured the incident, showing Gamez advancing towards the deputies without dropping the spike. The deputies initially used a taser in an attempt to subdue Gamez, but ultimately resorted to gunfire, resulting in his death.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the actions of the deputies, describing their response as “textbook.” Both deputies are currently on paid leave as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an investigation into the incident, following standard procedure.
The investigation is ongoing, with the FDLE working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The HCSO has released the bodycam footage, which shows the deputies’ attempts to de-escalate the situation before using force.
Gamez’s family and friends are mourning the loss of a loved one, and the community is coming together to support them. The incident has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement and the need for de-escalation training.
The Divine Mercy Prayer Center has released a statement expressing condolences to Gamez’s family and gratitude to the deputies for their response. The center has also offered counseling services to those affected by the incident.
The HCSO has a policy of transparency in incidents involving the use of force, and the release of the bodycam footage is part of this commitment. The sheriff’s office is working to ensure that the investigation is thorough and impartial.
As the investigation continues, the community is urged to come forward with any information that may be relevant to the case. The FDLE is working to determine if the deputies’ actions were justified, and the HCSO is committed to supporting the deputies and the community throughout the process.
In the face of tragedy, the community of Plant City comes together to support the family of Anthony Ray Gamez and to seek answers about the incident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of de-escalation training and the need for transparency in law enforcement.
