The Sarasota Police Department reported that an alleged bank robber, William Pickett, died in an officer-involved shooting near New College of Florida on Monday.
According to authorities, 54-year-old William Pickett had robbed the Fifth Third Bank on Saturday, February 24, and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Officers stopped him on Monday, leading to the shooting incident near University Parkway and US 41.
Pickett was wanted for robbery with a firearm and grand theft ranging between $10,000 and $20,000. Sarasota police confirmed his death on Tuesday.
Sarasota Police Department Press Release Re: William Pickett Shooting
The Sarasota Police Department is releasing the body-worn camera videos from the five officers involved in Monday’s officer-involved shooting. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. All five officers are on administrative leave, which is policy for any officer-involved shooting. This incident remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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The Sarasota Police Department engaged in an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 7:50 Monday morning near the intersection of U.S. 41 and University Parkway in the City of Sarasota.
One of our officers initiated a traffic stop on 34-year-old William Pickett’s vehicle, as he had an active warrant out of Sarasota County. In the process of trying to get the Pickett into custody, an officer-involved shooting occurred. Pickett is deceased.
Several agencies assisted the Sarasota Police Department today, including the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Fire Rescue, New College Police, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Police, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The public is not in danger. Any law enforcement officer who could possibly be involved has been placed on administrative leave, which is our policy for any officer-involved shooting.
No further comment can be provided by our agency at this time. FDLE is taking over the investigation. Any further questions need to be directed to their office.
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