Pasco woman killed after firing on deputies, says Sheriff’s Office

PORT RICHEY — A 40-year-old woman was killed Saturday after exchanging gunfire with deputies, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman fired first, the agency said, and deputies fired back, striking her once.

Her named was released later that night: Bonnie Figueroa-Ortiz had been reported missing hours earlier at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The agency said deputies were responding to an unrelated matter in the Ridge Crest Gardens area when they discovered Figueroa-Ortiz.

The Sheriff’s Office had told the Tampa Bay Times earlier in the day that she was facing arrest when she ran, then fired at deputies.

The agency did not say what time the shooting took place, but disclosed the news just before 3 p.m.

In that version of events, the agency said the woman attempted to flee arrest. Then she drew a weapon and fired at deputies, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies returned fire.

The woman was treated at the scene by medical personnel but died of her injuries.

No deputies were injured in the incident, the agency said.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office did not release any other details about the shooting, including what led up to the exchange of gunfire, how many deputies were involved and how many gunshots were fired in the incident. Pasco deputies are equipped with body-worn cameras.

The agency did not hold a media briefing at the scene of the shooting.

The deputies’ actions will be investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The criminal investigation involving the woman will continue to be handled by Pasco deputies.

This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.