Deputy shoots, kills DUI suspect in Osceola County

Deputy tried to conduct traffic stop on suspect, deputies say

YEEHAW JUNCTION, Fla. – A DUI suspect was fatally shot by an Osceola County deputy Saturday night when they fought while the deputy tried to arrest him following a traffic stop and foot pursuit, the Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies received a report about a possible drunken driver near the 200 mile marker of the Florida Turnpike, the Sheriff's Office said. Osceola Deputy John Stubbs found and stopped the vehicle at 11:30 p.m. near mile marker 196, deputies said.

The suspect, identified as Carlos Petrovich, 37, of Orlando, would not cooperate with Stubbs and fled from the traffic stop, Osceola deputies said.

Stubbs searched the area for Petrovich and found him at a nearby Pilot gas station, the Sheriff's Office said. As the deputy approached Petrovich to arrest him, deputies said Petrovich fled on foot.

Deputy Stubbs chased Petrovich and made multiple attempts to take him into custody, but he became violent and bit and attacked Stubbs, the Sheriff's Office said.

During the physical altercation, Stubbs fired his gun and hit Petrovich, who died at the scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Stubbs was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries he received during the fight. He was treated and released. 

Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson said Stubbs is a two-year veteran of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. When asked if he felt the shooting was justified, he said, "From what I see, absolutely," adding the deputy felt his life was in danger.

Gibson said Petrovich has a history of traffic offenses in Georgia and Florida, including DUIs. It is unknown whether Petrovich was armed during the shooting.

Deputies said the altercation between Subbs and Petrovich began on one side of the Pilot gas station and the shooting take place on the opposite side. The shooting is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 

No other details were available. Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.