A driver who nearly struck a pedestrian was fatally shot by a Volusia County deputy outside a local Walmart on Saturday morning after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement.
The incident reportedly began on Friday night when a “reckless driver” fled from DeLand Police Department officers after nearly hitting a pedestrian in downtown DeLand, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
VCSO stated that the driver turned off his vehicle’s headlights before running several red lights and fleeing westbound on State Road 44.
At around 4:30 a.m. the following morning, the driver’s vehicle was spotted in the parking lot of the Walmart Neighborhood Market located at 955 S Woodland Boulevard in DeLand. According to VCSO, the driver attempted to flee as deputies approached his vehicle.
One of the deputies proceeded to fire their agency-issued handgun at the vehicle’s windshield, striking the driver. The vehicle came to a final rest after crashing in the parking lot.
The driver was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. His identity was not released by VCSO.
There were no other injuries reported.
Due to the deputy-involved shooting, the Walmart parking lot was temporarily closed. It has since reopened to the public.
No further details were provided by law enforcement.