***Update***
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the deputy-involved shooting that occurred on April 2nd.
Robert James Boast will now face an additional charge of Felony Aggravated Assault and remains in custody with no bond. Boast was originally charged with an outstanding Manatee County warrant for Violation of Pretrial Release: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
When the incident occurred on April 2nd, sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported disturbance and arrived in the 2100 block of 59th St, Sarasota, at approximately 6:25 p.m., Thursday. They contacted Robert James Boast who removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed his gun in the direction of one of the deputies. In response to the immediate threat, two deputies discharged their agency issued weapons.
This remains an active ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at (941) 861-4900.
On April 2, at approximately 6:25 p.m., Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded to a 911 call received by the agency’s Emergency Operations Bureau regarding a reported disturbance.
At approximately 6:34 p.m. four deputies arrived in the 2100 block of 59th St., Sarasota and located an adult male seated behind the residence. Upon making contact with deputies, the individual removed a handgun from his waistband. Deputies issued clear verbal commands for the subject to drop the weapon. The subject subsequently pointed the gun in the direction of one of the deputies. In response to the immediate threat, two deputies discharged their agency issued weapons.
Deputies immediately rendered first-aid until Sarasota County Fire Rescue personnel arrived. The subject has been identified as Robert James Boast, W/M, DOB: 8/13/70. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is currently listed in critical, but stable condition.
Robert Boast has been arrested on his outstanding Manatee County warrant for Violation of Pretrial Release: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
A search warrant has been obtained for the residence. This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation.