Authorities in Florida have released police body camera footage of a shooting that resulted in the death of Ronnie Clark, a suspect with a long criminal record, and left his hostage injured.
The incident occurred Sunday night when bondsmen sought Clark, 53, for failing to appear in court on drug charges. Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies found Clark in a tent with a woman he was holding against her will. Clark had 58 prior felony convictions and had been incarcerated three times.
Authorities reported that Clark had sent emails and text messages to others stating that he would engage in a shootout with deputies if push came to shove. Negotiations with Clark began when the officers arrived to serve the warrant at around 5 pm on May 7.
Despite the five-hour standoff and negotiations, Clark continued to hold the woman hostage.
A sheriff’s drone captured around 12 SWAT deputies surrounding Clark as he dragged the woman to the front door of his car. Simmons stated that Clark was using the hostage as a “human shield” while attempting to enter the car. The footage shows that Clark and the hostage were able to enter the vehicle, after which one of the SWAT tactical vehicles collided with the car’s rear in an attempt to prevent Clark from escaping. Clark, however, remained in the vehicle, holding a knife to the woman’s throat, while deputies encircled the car.
A deputy approached the car and fired a single shot at Clark, killing him. The shot may have also struck the hostage, who is currently recovering in the hospital.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said the deputy’s actions were necessary to prevent further escalation. Simmons emphasized that in such scenarios, they prioritize human life and are more concerned about the safety of the hostage than that of the perpetrator. He added that Clark had escalated the situation, and the deputy had no option but to act.
The Florida Law Enforcement Department is investigating the incident, and the deputy who fired the shot has been placed on administrative leave.
