HCSO: Man armed with screwdriver shot in deputy-involved shooting

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A suspect is in critical condition after a deputy-involved shooting where he armed himself with a screwdriver, deputies say. 

Around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Hillsborough County Deputy David Cloud was out patrolling in the 5300 block of Brushy Creek Drive when he noticed a “suspicious” person walking nearby, according to a press release. Deputy Cloud began to follow the person until he exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to speak to the suspect, who has since been identified as 35-year-old Babak Payrow of Tampa. 

According to deputies, Payrow turned toward the deputy and began “aggressively approaching” him. The deputy asked Payrow to stop, but he continued advancing toward him and then pulled out a 10-inch screw driver from a bag. It's unclear if Deputy Cloud recognized what type of weapon was in his hand. 

The deputy was in “fear for his life,” and shot Payrow at least one time, according to the release. Payrow was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Deputy Cloud was uninjured and placed on a routine administrative leave while the agency investigates the deputy-involved shooting. He has been with the agency since September 2014.

During a press conference, Colonel Donna Lusczynski said Payrow has relatives living in the area and would frequently walk to visit them, but at the time, his reason for being in the area during this specific time is unknown. 

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Payrow has previous arrests for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence charges, and resisting arrest of law enforcement. Criminal charges stemming from this latest incident is pending against Payrow.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 13 for the latest.