Sheriff Paul C. May has released the following information:

Reference: Search Warrant Shooting

On 08/26/2010 at 8:03 PM Officers of the Okeechobee County Narcotics Task Force, the Okeechobee City Police, and the Okeechobee County Special Response Team served a search warrant at 1276 SW 18^th Terrace in the Echo Estates subdivision of Okeechobee County.

The search warrant was to search the home for drugs. The Okeechobee Special Response Team conducted a “knock and announce” at the front door of the residence and received no response. The officers entered through the unlocked front door of the residence and began a search of the home for occupants.

At the doorway of the master bedroom, an SRT member was met by a male occupant (and subject of the warrant). This man was armed with a pistol and reportedly pointed the gun at the officer. The officer shot four times in the direction of the armed man with his H&K assault weapon. The suspect was not hit. The suspect dropped the gun and lay on the floor to surrender to the arrest. The suspect, a female paramour, and a 17 month child were found to be the only occupants of the home.

Following the search of the home the Narcotics Task Force recovered 6.5 grams of marijuana, 87 mini zip lock bags (normally associated with the sale of drugs), a digital drug scale, a marijuana pipe, and a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol.

The suspect (Jose Carrillo B/M DOB: 05/22/84) was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Child Neglect, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. His bond will be set at first appearance. The female occupant of the home was detained, questioned, and later released. The 17 month old child was turned over to the custody of a grandparent who lives locally.

None of the occupants or officers were hurt in the service of this search warrant.

Because an officer involved shooting had occurred, this matter is being investigated both criminally and internally. Charges are pending the results of this investigation. The officer involved in this shooting is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.

As always the manner and nature of the probable cause to obtain the drug search warrant is privileged law enforcement intelligence and may not be disseminated.