Sarasota, Florida — A tense encounter between law enforcement and a local resident ended in gunfire Thursday evening, leaving a 55-year-old man in critical condition after what authorities describe as an armed confrontation.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 2100 block of 59th Street around 6:25 p.m. following reports of a disturbance. Four deputies reached the scene within minutes and located a man sitting behind a residence.
Officials identified the individual as Robert James Boast. Investigators say the situation escalated when Boast allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband. Deputies reportedly gave multiple verbal commands urging him to drop the weapon.
Authorities state that Boast then pointed the firearm toward one of the deputies. In response to what they described as an immediate threat, two deputies discharged their weapons.
After the shooting, deputies provided emergency first aid until Sarasota County Fire Rescue arrived. Boast was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Law enforcement also confirmed that Boast had an outstanding warrant from Manatee County related to an alleged violation of pretrial release conditions tied to a prior aggravated battery charge.
Investigators have since secured a search warrant for the residence as the inquiry continues. No deputies were injured. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and further details will be released as they become available.
