A 54-year-old man suspected of robbing a pizza delivery driver was fatally shot by a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy Tuesday after a pursuit ended near Jog and Woolbright roads, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw said the investigation began after a pizza delivery driver was robbed around 10 p.m. Monday. The suspect allegedly ordered a pizza to a Lake Worth location and told the driver he only had a $100 bill. When the driver pulled out money to make change, the suspect allegedly grabbed him, and the two struggled over the cash.
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Deputies shoot, kill robbery suspect after pursuit ends in Boynton BeachThe delivery driver provided investigators with a description of the suspect's vehicle and a license plate number, Bradshaw said.
Investigators entered that information into license plate readers and received an alert Tuesday that the vehicle was in the Lake Park area.
PBSO tactical units located the vehicle and conducted surveillance to confirm the registered owner was driving, according to Bradshaw. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, Bradshaw said.
The pursuit traveled south on Interstate 95, with the Florida Highway Patrol becoming involved, before ending near Jog and Woolbright roads. Bradshaw said the driver crossed a median, apparently blew multiple tires and crashed into a fence.
BREAKING NEWS: Deputy fatally shoots robbery suspect after chase
PBSO deputy fatally shoots robbery suspect after chase ends near Boynton BeachA PBSO helicopter was overhead as the man got out of the vehicle and began running along Jog Road, Bradshaw said. Something was wrapped around his right hand, and deputies in the helicopter believed he might have been holding a firearm.
Bradshaw said the man attempted to take cover behind concrete light poles as deputies tried to stop him using two types of less-lethal weapons. Three less-lethal rounds struck him but had no effect, according to the sheriff.
Bradshaw said the man repeatedly yelled at deputies, "You're gonna have to kill me."
When the man reached a second pole, Bradshaw said he got into a kneeling position and raised his hands in what appeared to be a shooting position.
A deputy then opened fire, striking the man. He died at the scene.
Bradshaw later confirmed investigators did not find a firearm on the man.
The sheriff said the 54-year-old was a convicted felon whose criminal history included carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, assault and drug offenses.
The man's identity has not been released pending notification of his next of kin.
Jog Road was shut down in both directions between Woolbright Road and Grand Isle Drive during the investigation. As of 8:45 p.m. the road is back open.
Bradshaw said additional information, including a more detailed timeline and information about the suspect, will be released as the investigation continues.
