Man Arrested for Threatening First Responders with Firearm

NEWS RELEASE 20-035 - MARCH 02, 2020
Prizio, Jacob

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 21-year-old Sarasota man after he called 911 and pointed a firearm at two paramedics and a deputy.
 
On Friday afternoon just before 2:30 p.m., the Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call requesting an ambulance respond to the 4700 block of Vignette Way for a person with a leg injury. As paramedics arrived in the area, Jacob Prizio, DOB 07/09/98, ran into the roadway and aimed a loaded handgun at the ambulance. Although the weapon was not fired, the paramedics immediately retreated for safety while deputies quickly responded to the scene. When approached by deputies, Prizio briefly threatened them with the firearm before tossing it on the ground. He was taken into custody without further incident and later admitted to calling 911 with the intent of shooting emergency personnel.
 
Prizio, of 4732 Vignette Way, is charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm on an Officer, Firefighter or EMT and a single count of Misuse of 911. He remains in custody today on $75,500 bond.