Sarasota, Florida — A tense encounter between law enforcement and a local resident ended in gunfire Thursday evening, leaving a 55-year-old man in critical condition after what authorities describe as an armed confrontation.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 2100 block of 59th Street around 6:25 p.m. following reports of a disturbance. Four deputies reached the scene within minutes and located a man sitting behind a residence.
Officials identified the individual as Robert James Boast. Investigators say the situation escalated when Boast allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband. Deputies reportedly gave multiple verbal commands urging him to drop the weapon…