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Pinellas Park Police Shooting Ruled Justifiable

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TBO.com

Published: July 29, 2008

A 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida state attorney's investigation has determined a fatal shooting by three Pinellas Park police officers was justifiable homicide, according to a news release.

Dallas Dwayne Carter, 44, was shot to death by Cpl. Michael Erwin and Officers Alexandro Aguilar and Adam Smotrich on July 19.

The three will be returned to full duty status, according to the release.

Officers went to Shadow Run apartments at 12001 Belcher Road to respond to a 911 call from a man who said he had a gun and his boys were in bed. The caller hung up before identifying himself.

A crisis negotiator was moving into position to use a bullhorn when Carter began firing, police said.

After firing and shouting at officers, Carter came out of his apartment with a pistol and a rifle, aiming them at the officers. The three officers fired 10 shots, killing Carter.

A suicide note was found in Carter's apartment.

An administrative review of the incident by the police internal affairs investigator is ongoing, according to the release.

Reporter Stephen Thompson contributed to this report.

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