A Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy is recovering from gunshot wounds after being ambushed and shot in the line of duty on Sunday night.
The 22-year-old suspect who opened fire on the deputies was killed during the incident.
St.
Petersburg Police are investigating the shooting.
Corporal Matthew Aiken was tracking the suspect with his canine Taco when the suspect opened fire, and Sergeant Jacob Viano was able to fire back and kill him.
The suspect, 23-year-old Zion Bostic, had a long criminal history, having been arrested 18 times on 34 different felonies and 22 different misdemeanors.
He had served two separate terms in prison and was due back in court last week but didn’t show up.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said Bostic had two weapons on him, one of which had been stolen from an unlocked car in 2018.
Sheriff Bob Walteri said Sergeant Viano’s actions likely saved Aiken’s life.
Aiken was in surgery but is expected to recover.
