State Rules Deputy Involved Shooting In Century Was Justified

April 25, 2008

The shooting death of a Century man by Escambia County deputies last November has been ruled a “suicide-by-cop”.

Three Escambia County deputies shot and killed 50 year old Michael Bodi McCormick at his Campbell Road home after he threatened them with several weapons.

Deputies had responded to a call about a man that was possibly suicidal at or near Odom’s Bar in Century about 5:00 the afternoon of November 28. McCormick’s vehicle was spotted near Campbell Sand and Gravel in the area of Campbell Road and Fannie Road. A short vehicle chase followed reportedly, ending with deputies surrounding a house on Campbell Road.

McCormick exited his home and pointed multiple weapons at the deputies, authorities said. When he cocked the pistol and pointed it toward the deputies, they opened fire killing McCormick.

“He would not drop the weapons and attempted to aim at the officers,” Chief Deputy Larry Smith said at the scene the night of the shooting. “The officers felt like their lives were in danger and unfortunately had to fire their weapons.”

The state attorney’s office ruled that there was sufficient evidence to prove the deputies were justified in using deadly force to protect themselves and the lives of others.

Pictured below: NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo of an investigative unit from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement entering the scene of a deputy involved fatal shooting the night of November 28, 2007, on Campbell Road in Century. Above: Michael Bodi McCormick

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News