Palmetto police await results of independent investigation into officer-involved shooting
In the days after an officer-involved shooting, Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler said Friday morning there were no new updates to the case.
Anthony Robinson, 32, died at Blake Medical Center after exchanging gunfire with officers Angel Uruchima and Madison Peters.
Police were called to the 1800 block of Fifth Avenue West in Palmetto after Robinson’s father reported his son fired multiple gunshots outside his home. Just moments later, police saw Robinson leaving the area and tried to get him to pull over; but Robinson did not stop.
Officers pursued him until he lost control of his vehicle and crashed at the intersection of Bayshore Road and Eighth Avenue West. The crash didn’t stop him, either. Robinson ran into the Memphis Cemetery.
Officers Uruchima and Peters followed him, and gunfire was exchanged, which ended with Robinson shot.
Numerous bullet holes were visible in the Robinsons’ Fifth Avenue West home.
Robinson had a criminal history that included convictions for sale of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance and felony battery.
Leading the investigation into the shooting is Florida Department of Law Enforcement, per the department’s agreement with Palmetto police.
“We’re cooperating fully with FDLE,” Tyler said, adding there likely won’t be much more information released until FDLE completes its investigation.
The results will then be forwarded to Tyler and the State Attorney’s Office for review.
The Palmetto Police Department also will conduct its own internal investigation.
Both officers involved remain on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete. Uruchima has been with the department for five years, while Peters has been there five months.
Tyler previously said the department’s last officer-involved shooting was in 1981.
Sara Nealeigh: 941-745-7081, @saranealeigh
This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Palmetto police await results of independent investigation into officer-involved shooting."