TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County deputy shot and killed a woman on Sunday after she raised a gun at the law enforcement officer, officials said.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer, the agency received a burglary call at about 4:41 a.m. at the 7500 block of Carlton Circle.
When deputies were on scene, they were informed that a grandmother, Rosamond Brookins, 46, had shot her daughter.
When deputies began to make contact with the individuals inside, a roommate came out with a child.
They then entered the home and found the daughter who had been shot in the hand, Maurer said.
Brookins had barricaded herself in a back room, which was locked.
When deputies breached the room, they found Brookins armed with a handgun, Maurer said.
They asked her to drop the firearm, but Brookins did not.
“She raises the firearm, and our deputy fires and neutralizes the threat,” Maurer said.
Brookins died at the scene, Maurer said.
Deputy Joshua Thomas was the deputy involved in the shooting. He has been with HCSO for 10 months and has 6 years of prior service with Temple Terrace Police Department. He has no prior use of force, officials said. Thomas has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending completion of the investigation.
The daughter was in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the hand.
Maurer said Brookins had been asked to leave the home on Friday.
"This is a tragic situation that no family should ever have to endure," said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies acted swiftly to protect the lives of a woman and child in immediate danger. Domestic violence can escalate in an instant—if you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and there is support available."
All additional updates will come from Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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