Home invasion suspect shot and killed after firing at deputies in Spring Hill neighborhood

SPRING HILL, Fla. - A suspect was shot and killed by multiple deputies after firing at them in a Spring Hill neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. Investigators also confirmed two women are in custody following the home invasion that happened in Pasco County.

Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and Pasco County Sheriff Jeff Nocco gave an update on the deputy-involved shooting Tuesday along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. According to Sheriff Nienhuis, the suspect, Victor Torres Jr., was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The case began unfolding hour earlier during a home invasion robbery that took place 2:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Balsam Avenue area in Hudson, according to investigators. Sheriff Nocco said an 89-year-old man was home when a man and woman broke into his home, tied him up, and took off with his car.

Courtesy: Hernando County SO via Twitter

A second woman was waiting outside the home and drove off in another vehicle, deputies said. The victim was able to free himself and call law enforcement, the sheriff's office confirmed.

Hernando County deputies did say they later found that stolen car, which investigators said was intentionally set on fire around 6:45 a.m. Investigators said the vehicle was found in the Dandelion Court area of Spring Hill. They are investigating the car fire as arson, according to deputies. 

Later in the day at around 1:30 p.m., Pasco detectives said they found the vehicle that the third suspect drove of fin after the home invasion. Detectives followed the vehicle and discovered both women involved in the home invasion disposing of the victim's property. 

Both women admitted to the home invasion and said the man involved in the home invasion was in a home in the Holly Hock Lane area, investigator said. A Pasco County K-9 deputy started tracking the suspect who ran from the home on Holly Hock. 

Deputies said Torres Jr. was found at a home where he was holding people, including children, hostage. Those who were inside were able to hide in another part of the home.

The Torres Jr. started shooting out of the home's garage at Pasco and Hernando deputies, Sheriff Nienhuis said. At least three Hernando County deputies and one Pasco County deputy returned fire, and Torres Jr. continued shooting at deputies while running down the street until he was shot.

The exchange between deputies and the suspect was caught on body camera footage released by PSO. 

Investigators said Torres Jr. was taken to a local hospital where he died. The he has a lengthy criminal history and was a documented gang member, according to deputies. He was recently released from prison back in May 2021. 

One of the deputies was cut by glass during the incident, according to law enforcement. The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave and FDLE is taking over the investigation. 

None of the people who were held hostage by the suspect were injured, according to PSO officials.