NEW PORT RICHEY – A suspect shot by Pasco County officers on Dec. 13 told them “thank you” as they were handcuffing him and treating his injuries, according to Sheriff Chris Nocco.
Deputies were responding to an attempted break-in at a gun store on Little Road at 8:14 a.m. Dec. 13. The suspect wasn’t able to get into the store. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office found him 200 yards north on Little Road.
Nocco said the suspect pulled out a knife when a detective approached him. The detective told colleagues on his radio that the suspect had a knife. Other deputies arrived.
“I want to give our deputies a lot of credit,” Nocco said. “They were doing everything in their power to deescalate the situation. They kept pleading with the individual, ‘we will get you help.’”
Nocco said the suspect charged at officers. Three officers shot at the suspect. They have been placed on administrative leave as part of protocol.
“The subject, after he was struck with tasers and gunfire, he hit the ground,” Nocco said. “He hit the ground with his head. As the deputies were putting handcuffs on him and rendering aid, the subject looked at the deputies and said ‘thank you.’ Clearly this person had a motive today that was going to harm someone else or God forbid he got into that store.”
The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Scott Youmans. Nocco said Youmans has an “extensive mental health history to harm himself and he’s made statements to harm others.”
Youmans faces charges of attempted burglary and aggravated assault on law enforcement.
Mark Brunell, special agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, is overseeing the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. He encouraged witnesses to call 1-800-226-1140.
Sheriff’s office needs help with homicide case
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in its investigation into the homicide of Jennifer Suojanen. She was found deceased in her home on Dec. 20, 2023. Her 53-year-old husband, Sean Suojanen, has not been seen or heard from since that time. He was last seen near the Margaret Drive area of Port Richey. Report tips at 1-800-706-2488.
