State Attorney: Officer Involved Shooting Was Justified

May 4, 2011

The State Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that an officer involved shooting back in January was justified.

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Courtney Clanton fired shots at a suspect’s vehicle as the suspect drove towards him in an aggressive manner. In the early morning hours of January 12, deputies responded to an officer in trouble call on New Forest Court after 50-year-old Harold Anthony Baggett, of Pensacola, confronted Clanton.

Clanton was standing outside near the roadway when he was approached by Baggett (pictured), who was driving a silver Honda. Baggett asked  Clanton if he was a cop and Deputy Clanton identified himself as a deputy sheriff. Baggett then drove his vehicle towards  Clanton in an aggressive manner.

Fearing for his life, Clanton fired shots at the vehicle. As a result, Baggett suffered gunshot wounds but was able to flee the area. He was later found at a residence in the 700 block of Deedra Avenue.

Baggett was treated and released from Sacred Heart Hospital. He is awaiting trial on a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and remains in the Escambia County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

Clanton, who has worked for the Sheriff’s Office since 2006, was placed on routine administrative leave pending the results of the on-going investigation.

Clanton and Baggett both live in the same subdivision just north of East 10 Mile Road.

Comments

2 Responses to “State Attorney: Officer Involved Shooting Was Justified”

  1. xpeecee on May 4th, 2011 7:17 am

    Threaten a law enforcement officer – - – get shot at. Duh! Thank you Deputy Clanton for your service. Glad you are okay!

  2. billy on May 4th, 2011 12:48 am

    God bless you deputy Clanton…….thanks for protecting us

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News