Crime & Safety

Deputy Fatally Shoots Self During Altercation Outside Pinellas County Gentlemen's Club

Pasco sheriff's deputy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Saturday morning following an altercation outside a gentlemen's club.

PALM HARBOR, FL — A Pasco County sheriff's deputy has died from what is believed to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Saturday morning following an altercation with a fellow deputy outside a Palm Harbor gentleman's club.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said 30-year-old David Greis Ospina, was found inside his vehicle at approximately 2:37 a.m. Saturday, after Pinellas County sheriff's deputies responded to multiple 911 calls at 37100 U.S. 19 North.

According to investigators, Ospina and a female Pasco County sheriff's deputy had attended a Halloween party in Pasco County earlier in the evening before traveling to Silks Gentleman's Club in Palm Harbor.

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Detectives said the two became involved in an altercation in the club's parking lot before getting into Ospina's truck.

Ospina was seated in the driver's seat, while the female deputy was in the back seat, investigators said.

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Ospina allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the female deputy before turning the weapon on himself and shooting himself in the head.

Investigators went on to say that the female deputy escaped the truck, before alerting patrons at the business, who called 911.

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Ospina before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators confirmed that Ospina had been employed by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office since July 15, 2019.

Authorities did not release the identity of the female deputy or provide additional details about what led to the altercation.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Robbery and Homicide Unit is handling the investigation.

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