Florida police shoot man to death. Sarasota deputies are investigating

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of a North Port man by two police officers on Tuesday night.

According to the sheriff’s office, the two North Port officers responded to a residence in the 1900 block of Mossy Oak Drive around 8:30 p.m. after receiving a report of suicidal man and possible gunshots.

The officers made contact with Howard Owens, 47, in his driveway as soon as they arrived.

“The suspect reached for a handgun in his waistband and pointed it at two officers, causing them to fire their agency-issued weapons,” the sheriff’s office said. “The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The sheriff’s office reports that Owens previously stated he wanted law enforcement to shoot him and would force the situation with a firearm.

There were no other injuries reported and the investigation is ongoing. The sheriff’s office did not release any further information about Owens.