On Monday, August 19th, Paul David Badovinac, 41, of Homosassa, was charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer after an August 8th incident that resulted in the use of deadly force by a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy.
The events unfolded on Thursday, August 8th, when CCSO deputies were investigating Badovinac for felony battery on an elderly victim. Deputies located Badovinac at a residence on West Jarovi Court in Homosassa, but he fled on foot, leading the deputies into a heavily wooded area off West Linden Drive.
In the woods, Badovinac squared off against the pursuing deputy and began to fight. According to the CCSO, Badovinac attempted multiple times to remove the deputy’s service weapon from its holster. When he released his grip, he immediately armed himself with a knife and threatened the deputy, who was only a few feet away. The deputy responded by drawing his service weapon and firing two rounds at Badovinac, effectively stopping the threat.
Badovinac received medical aid at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Following his release from the hospital, he was taken to the Pasco County Jail on charges of violation of probation and felony battery on an elderly person.
On August 19th, Badovinac was transferred to the Citrus County Detention Facility, where he was arrested on three new charges: Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Depriving an Officer of Means of Protection or Communication, and Resisting with Violence. He will be held without bond.
“Deputies put their lives on the line each and every day,” said Sheriff Michael Prendergast. “This deputy’s training, self-awareness, and grit kept him one step ahead of the suspect’s actions, which led to the use of deadly force. We will work closely with our partners in the Fifth Judicial Court to keep Badovinac in custody and away from society.”
As per agency policy, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave, following standard operating procedures.
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