A Florida suspect fatally shot in a police-involved incident on Sunday was said to have a lengthy criminal record and was trying to break into nearby cars when deputies were alerted of the criminal activity.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 23-year old Zion Bostick had been targetting vehicles in an unincorporated region of St. Petersburg before officers began pursuing the suspect.
K-9 Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, and his K-9 partner, Taco, were joined by Sgt. Jake Viano, 49, in tracking Bostick to a fenced yard. It was at the scene that a shootout occurred, with Bostick opening fire on the officers and striking Aitken three times.
Viano avoided the bullets and responded by shooting back, leading to Bostick’s death. Aitken was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition. Both Viano and Taco were unhurt during the shootout.
Furthermore, a gun was also recovered from Bostick which had been reported stolen from Manatee County. The suspect’s history revealed numerous counts of criminal activity with over 56 previous charges including DUI, car burglaries, drug possession and tampering with evidence.
The case is still in its early stages of investigation; anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.