The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the officer involved shooting that occurred at 9:33 p.m., last night in north Sarasota.

The preliminary investigation indicates Dep. Adam Shaw conducted a traffic stop of a white Jeep SUV occupied by two male subjects near Washington Court and 29th Street. Sgt. Troy Sasse arrived on the scene as backup. Dep. Shaw approached the driver’s side door from the rear of the vehicle and ordered the driver to put the Jeep in park as Sgt. Sasse approached from the front driver’s side. After initially complying with commands, the driver abruptly replied, “No,” shifted the vehicle into drive and accelerated in the direction of Sgt. Sasse.

Fearing he would be struck by the vehicle, Sgt. Sasse reacted by discharging his duty weapon two times. Deputy Shaw, concerned that Sgt. Sasse would be struck by the vehicle, also fired his weapon twice in direction of the vehicle.

The Jeep traveled south on Washington Boulevard when the driver apparently succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting. The vehicle left the roadway, struck several cars in the parking lot of 2530 Washington Blvd., and came to rest when it hit a cement barrier. The passenger fled the scene foot and has not been located at this time.

The driver has been identified as Rodney G. Mitchell, DOB 3/21/89, 4910 26th Street East, Apt. 102, Bradenton.

Per standard procedure both deputies are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.