Marion County, Florida — On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at approximately 7:15 p.m., an MCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on a dirt bike near the intersection of SE Maricamp Road and Emerald Road. The driver, later identified as 26-year-old Rasheem Edwards, could not produce a valid form of ID. During the traffic stop, Edwards fled on foot toward a field where a youth sports practice was being held. The deputy gave chase and, after running a short distance, Edwards pulled out a firearm he was carrying on his hip. Edwards then fumbled the firearm, causing it to fall to the ground.

Edwards immediately reached down and picked up the firearm, at which time he was shot by the pursuing deputy. Edwards was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. FDLE is investigating the shooting. The deputy is on paid administrative leave, as is standard practice. Edwards was a convicted felon, having been convicted of Attempted Burglary in New York, and it was illegal for him to possess this firearm. The deputy, who as the victim of a criminal offense has invoked the protection of Marsy’s Law, is not being identified at this time.