Local News in Florida: A Police Deputy Got Shot Three Times By A 23-year-old Culprit

The hospitalized Florida sheriff who was shot three times by a culprit who waited while opening fire on officers last week has been released.

Corporal Matthew Aitken, 40, of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, was shot in the neck, hand, and leg while responding to a vehicle burglary report on March 12, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

He’s a tough guy, according to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. But he should take it easy. He’s got a bullet in his neck, his leg is fine, and he’s got wrist issues, but he have no doubt the culprit come back strong because that’s who he is.

Zion Bostick, 23, is accused of shooting Cpl. Aitken while attempting to break into cars shortly before 7 p.m. Deputies were alerted and began pursuing the suspect in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Sgt. Jake Viano, 49, accompanied Cpl. Aitken, 40, and his K-9, Taco, as they surveilled Bostick into a fenced backyard, where officials say the suspect was waiting. Deputies followed the suspect and discovered him trying to hide behind a house corner

Based on the article published by Fox News on March 19, 2023, Bostick opened fire on Aitken three times before shooting at Viano. Viano ducked the bullets and retaliated, killing the suspect. The shooting did not injure Viano or Taco.

Bostick had a second gun in his right pocket that had been reported stolen out of Manatee County. He had a “extensive criminal history.