An off-duty Pasco County detention deputy fatally wounded a suspect Friday who tried to choke him out during a violent fight on U.S. 41, according to law enforcement.
Ronald Michael Robbibaro, 30, the suspect, died at the scene near U.S. 41 north of Bowman Road, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
The roads in that area remained closed Friday morning while deputies investigate.
The off-duty deputy’s encounter with Robbibaro occurred after a series of incidents early Friday morning – including Robbibaro stealing a Coca-Cola delivery truck, according to law enforcement.
Law enforcement received a call about 4 a.m. from a woman who said a vehicle was following her. Shortly after, the same vehicle the woman reported following her was involved in a crash.
Deputies said Robbibaro was the driver of that vehicle.
Robbibaro is accused of leaving the crash and running toward a nearby Coca-Cola plant, where he stole an unlocked delivery truck.
An off-duty deputy saw Robbibaro turn recklessly onto U.S. 41.
While the deputy was following the Coca-Cola truck, Robbibaro stopped in the middle of the road, deputies said. Robbibaro reversed the truck, hitting the hood of the deputy's personal vehicle.
Robbibaro then fled southbound on U.S. 41.
Another off-duty detention deputy was also traveling on the same road in his personal truck.
The deputy, in full uniform at the time, and Robbibaro got out of their vehicles. Deputies said Robbibaro charged at the deputy.
Robbibaro attacked the deputy and a violent fight ensued, according to law enforcement.
The deputy said his life was in danger and that Robbibaro tried to choke him out while the deputy was on the phone with 911.
The deputy fired two rounds into Robbibaro.
Robbibaro died at the scene and the off-duty detention deputy was taken to the hospital.
