Deputies were called at 7:47 p.m. to a home in reference to a domestic disturbance. The caller said Stephen Steele was becoming violent with his girlfriend. Upon the deputies' arrival, Steele fled to a camper behind the house. Deputies said Steele was threatening to commit suicide with a knife. He cut his wrists and made slashing motions at his throat. Deputies said they tried to de-escalate the situation, but as they were trying to determine a plan of action, Steele charged at deputies with the knife, and one shot and killed him.
Victim's Name: Stephen Steele
Agency Responsible: Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 56
Race: White
Date of Death: July 13, 2017
County: Pasco
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: knife
Threat Level: other
Fleeing: Not fleeing
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 2775
Geography: Suburban