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Burglary Suspect Shot By Deputies Is Identified
January 29, 2013
Sheriff’s investigators have identified the man who was shot and killed by deputies after responding to a burglary in progress call Sunday night.
Paul Gordon Thayer, 49, was fatally shot. Deputies arrived on scene and encountered Thayer, who was armed with a firearm. During the encounter, Thayer pointed the firearm at deputies at which time the deputies discharged their firearms fatally wounding Thayer.
The incident occurred at a self-storage facility in the area of Mobile Highway and Dominguez Street about 10:30 p.m.
Deputy Sheriff Wayne Wright and Deputy 1st Class Mark Smith have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure in officer involved shootings. Wright has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2007, and Smith has served since 2005.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are continuing their investigation.
Pictured top: A burglary suspect was shot and killed late Sunday night in a deputy-involved shooting. Photo courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
10 Responses to “Burglary Suspect Shot By Deputies Is Identified”
Jerry A ,Well , he had a gun and he paid for it . If he had not had a gun he would still be a live. So no. we would not be having this blog. I agree with Monica. Very well put.
It IS a shame…. but when will people learn that you DO NOT DO WRONG AND GET AWAY WITH IT…… one way or the other you pay and your family pays for your actions… there is no one to blame but the man who was somewhere he didn’t belong and also aiming a gun at an officer…..
ALWAYS follow the orders of law enforcement officials. If they are wrong, then make them pay for it in court. NOT following their orders can leave you dead.
Well I guess not,If he did not have a gun he would not be dead.
REGARDING:
“when I was posting my rants, if had not been brought to light that the suspect was armed”
It is uncommon for all information to be available as soon as anything happens — or ever. That’s why it is reasonable to withhold judgment and not assume the worst. If for no other reason than to avoid the paperwork, most people don’t want to kill others if they can avoid it.
It is good to admit an error, though.
David for caution
Unfortunately, this guy was probably too drunk to make a good decision or follow orders but him pulling the gun was a mistake, especially considering the area he was in. In class for CWP they tell you to protect life, not property. The deputies felt their life was in danger and responded. It’s a shame but we will never know the reason why he felt the need to pull the firearm out and aim it. So sorry that his family will always wonder why.
Glad the Deputies were not hurt.
as far as Paul Thayer goes, pointing a gun at cops results in lead poisoning and stupid like that should hurt.
good riddance
I am sorry someone died, but you do the crime do the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bob, I relent about shooting a suspect. However yesterday when I was posting my rants, if has not been brought to light that the suspect was armed the deputies did what had to be done. If he had been unarmed, then would we still be having this conversation?
And now we know the rest of the story, great shooting , ECSD, glad you are safe. one less to worry about.