LAKE COUNTY, FLA. – A Lake County deputy shot and killed a man in Clermont early Saturday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to the Via Roma Circle area at 12:16 a.m. about a suspicious person.
“The individual was reported to have been standing in the roadway yelling at passing vehicles before approaching a nearby home. We received another call regarding this individual who was at the time reported to be pounding on a nearby resident’s door,” according to a sheriff’s press release.
“There was no apparent connection between them,” Sgt. James Vachon said.
“Upon deputies’ arrival, the individual was asked to show his hands, which he refused to do. While trying to communicate with the individual, he produced a handgun, forcing one of our deputies to fire his service weapon.”
The man, identified as 39-year-old Eric Escobar of Clermont, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no injuries to residents or deputies.
According to court records, Escobar lives in the 10000 block of Sunburst View Drive, which is one street over from Via Roma Circle.
Records indicate he had a long list of traffic infractions but no serious or violent crimes. About 10 years ago he was arrested on a trespassing charge, and in another case charged with loitering or prowling.
The deputy, who was not named in the report, was placed on administrative leave, which is the normal procedure. The shooting will be investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.