Knife-wielding man choking child shot, killed by Hillsborough County deputy: HCSO

Deputy shoots man holding child at knifepoint

A 7-year-old was rescued from a hostage situation from a home in Brandon on Sunday after deputies killed the man holding him at knifepoint. FOX 13’s Danielle Zulkosky reports.

BRANDON, Fla. - A man accused of choking a child at knife-point was shot and killed by a Hillsborough County deputy on Sunday afternoon.

What we know:

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a domestic violence call at a home in Brandon shortly after 2 p.m.

The caller said that the suspect, Mario Camacho, 27, was armed with a knife and choking their 7-year-old brother.

Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

Once deputies arrived on scene, they said Camacho barricaded himself with his brother in a back bedroom.

READ: Victim escapes being held captive during armed robbery: Grady Judd

Deputies said they heard the child screaming for help and kicked down the door.

Dig deeper:

They added that Camacho, who was wearing a motorcycle helmet and two tactical vests with ballistic plates, was holding a knife and refusing to let the child go.

According to HCSO, Deputy Antonio Gonzalez, 25, shot Camacho after giving several commands to drop the knife.

Brandon deputy involved shooting press conference

A child was saved from a suspect who was armed with a knife after a standoff with deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

"The only shot he could take was the shot he had to take to stop that threat from harming that boy, and rescuing him and saving him," Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said during a press conference on Sunday. "If our deputies did not take that action, there’s no doubt in my mind that that boy is not here tonight."

READ: Dog returned to owner after being stolen during armed robbery, 4 teens arrested: HCSO

Once Camacho was shot, deputies rescued his little brother.

Camacho was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:47 p.m.

He reportedly has a history of mental illness and domestic violence charges in Polk County.  

What we don't know:

It is unclear why Camacho took his little brother hostage. 

What they're saying:

Neighbors said this was a quiet area.

"It's a very quiet neighborhood. Things like today have never happened. We're a little scared, actually. Surprised? Surprised," said Julian Martinez. "In fact, my children usually go out with their puppies on that street and we have never heard of problems. A very quiet sector and we were surprised by this regrettable news."

What's next:

Deputy Gonzalez has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending completion of the investigation.

What you can do:

HCSO encourages anyone who is in need of help and services, to call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211, which offers 24/7 support.