A deputy was pumping gas when Zambrotto approahced him rambling. The deputy called for backup. At one point, Zambrotto got in his car and refused to get out. He shared he was a veteran with family nearby. At one point Zambrotto expressed he felt the deputies were treating him as though he was going to hurt someone. Deputies deflated Zambrotto's tires so he couldn't leave the scene. Zambrotto was reportedly overwhelmed and confused at times. Deputies surrounded his vehicle and shot him when Zambrotto allegedly reached for a gun.
Agency: Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Motive: no reason
Confrontation Type: None/Unknown
Service Call: No
Body Camera: no
Official Disposition: Pending investigation
Victim Name: James Zambrotto
Death Date: March 20, 2021
County: Pasco
Geography: Suburban
Gender: Male
Age: 79
Race: Unknown race
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: other
Fleeing: not fleeing
Washington Post Database ID: 6723