The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says a North Port police officer fatally shot an armed 53-year-old man during a domestic disturbance.
A report says Officer Mike Laden was trying to negotiate by cell phone with James Smillie, who was involved in a dispute with two family members inside a house. Laden told his supervisors Smillie had slipped out of the house and walked through neighboring yards.
Laden says Smillie pointed a rifle at him and demanded the officer drop a backpack and flashlight. Smillie obeyed Laden's commands to drop the rifle, but as additional officers responded to the scene to assist Laden, Smillie reached for additional weapons that were visible in his shorts. Laden fired at Smillie, killing him.
Laden has been placed on paid administrative leave.
