Tampa Sees Tragic Deputy-Involved Shooting
Tampa, Florida – A significant incident unfolded late on December 7, 2024, when deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a deadly shooting. The event began around 11:15 p.m. after a call was made to 911 regarding a potential suicide. A family member, who expressed concern about their loved one, reported hearing gunfire coming from the bathroom of their home.
Authorities responded quickly to the scene located on the 10000 block of Courtney Palm Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies made their way to the bathroom, where they discovered Anthony Dadante, a 67-year-old man, sitting in the bathtub. As they entered, Deputy Jose Rodriguez pulled back the shower curtain and found Dadante with visible blood on his chest and a firearm in his hand.
The Confrontation
Despite repeated requests from the deputies for Dadante to drop the gun, he allegedly pointed the weapon at Deputy Rodriguez. In response to this perceived threat, both Deputy Rodriguez and Deputy Jenna Roberts fired their weapons, resulting in Dadante suffering critical injuries. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement regarding the incident, Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the difficult nature of the situation: “What began as a response to a potential suicide changed into a life-threatening confrontation that no deputy ever wants to face. Our deputies had to make a tough decision in an instant, and it was the right one.”
Background of the Individuals Involved
Deputy Rodriguez, age 29, has been with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since March 2022, while Deputy Roberts, also age 29, has served since September 2017. Both deputies had no prior use-of-force incidents during their time with the department.
Investigators reported that Anthony Dadante had no criminal history, and there had been no previous calls for service to his residence. This fact raised additional concerns about the circumstances leading up to the tragic shooting.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Sheriff Chronister also acknowledged the challenges many individuals face during the holiday season, which can be particularly difficult for those struggling with mental health issues. “If you’re struggling and feeling overwhelmed, know you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay,” he urged the public.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers 24/7 support, and individuals can contact them by calling 211 for assistance.
Investigation and Body Camera Footage
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now leading the investigation into the shooting. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has stated that further updates on the case will come from FDLE. Additionally, once available, the body camera footage will be released to provide more insight into the events that occurred that night.
As the community reflects on this tragic event, questions remain about how such a situation can be prevented in the future. The intersection of mental health and law enforcement is an ongoing conversation that many hope will lead to improved resources and responses.
