Dashcam Captures Police Shootout in Escambia County, Florida

 

Escambia County, FL — Three sheriff’s deputies involved in a tense shootout with an armed robbery suspect in October 2017 have been cleared of any wrongdoing, according to prosecutors. The decision, announced by the State Attorney’s Office, was heavily influenced by dashcam footage captured during the incident, which has since been released to the public. The video provided critical insight into the deputies’ actions and the suspect's refusal to cooperate, helping officials determine that the use of force was justified.he incident began when a teller at Warrington Bank called authorities to report a suspicious man inside the building. According to the police report, the man—later identified as Demetric Denario Carter—was acting erratically, speaking in a threatening manner, and raising concerns that he might attempt a robbery. The teller noted that Carter even asked her to call the police, claiming he didn’t want to hurt anyone, but still making her fear he could become violent.

Deputy Patrick Roberts was the first to respond to the scene. His dashcam video, now a central piece of evidence, shows Roberts confronting Carter outside the bank. In the footage, Roberts repeatedly gives loud and clear commands for Carter to keep his hands up and to get on the ground. This exchange lasts for over two minutes, with Carter refusing to comply the entire time. During the standoff, Roberts notices a handgun tucked into Carter’s back pocket, further escalating the situation.As backup officers arrive, the commands continue, but Carter remains defiant. Eventually, Deputy Roberts deploys his Taser in an attempt to subdue him. However, as Carter falls to the ground, he pulls the handgun from his waistband and begins firing at the deputies. The officers immediately return fire in response to the threat.

Carter was wounded during the exchange but survived. He was taken into custody at the scene and later treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a nearby hospital. None of the deputies involved were injured.The shootout was a harrowing moment that could have ended far worse, officials say. Prosecutors commended the deputies for their restraint and adherence to procedure under extremely dangerous circumstances. The video showed that the deputies gave Carter multiple opportunities to surrender peacefully, only using lethal force when it became absolutely necessary for their own protection.“Deputy Roberts and his fellow officers acted professionally and responsibly in a highly volatile situation,” the State Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “They exercised patience, gave repeated verbal commands, and only resorted to force when the suspect drew and fired a weapon. Their actions were consistent with their training and department protocol.”

Carter now faces serious legal consequences. He has been formally charged with three counts of attempted murder for firing at the deputies. Additional charges related to weapons possession and resisting arrest may also be pursued as the case proceeds through the court system.The release of the dashcam footage has helped bring transparency to the incident, offering the public a clearer understanding of how the confrontation unfolded. It has also sparked broader discussions about law enforcement’s use of body and dash cameras in ensuring accountability and accuracy during critical incidents.As the investigation concludes, Escambia County Sheriff’s officials have expressed support for their deputies, emphasizing that their quick response and adherence to procedure likely prevented greater harm. The case serves as another reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily—and the split-second decisions they must make to protect both themselves and the community.