The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Dade City Police Department are releasing body-worn camera and aviation videos capturing the harrowing moments when an armed suspect held an innocent victim hostage.
The suspect, John Coker, 36, can be seen on aviation video armed and pointing two guns at officers. Despite multiple commands to drop his weapons, Coker refused, resulting in four HCSO deputies and one Dade City Police Officer shooting their service weapons.
"This wasn't a mistake or a misunderstanding; this dangerous felon made deliberate choices that endangered the life of an innocent victim and the lives of several law enforcement officers," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I can't say enough about the careful but quick response of our deputies, the Dade City Police Officers, and the Pasco Sheriff's Office deputies. Their outstanding work ensured no other community member became a victim of this violent felon."
"The citizens are extremely lucky that no one was injured besides this suspect, and the only reason that no one was injured was because of the brave actions of law enforcement officers who serve and protect every single day," said Dade City Police Chief James Walters.
Coker was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Coker will face a number of charges including:
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Armed Burglary, Vehicle
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Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
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Felon in Possession of a Firearm (x2)
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Grand Theft of a Firearm (x2)
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Aggravated Assault on a LEO (x2)
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Armed Carjacking
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Armed Burglary, Residence
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Armed Kidnapping
Coker has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2007, including eight felony convictions.
This release is in partnership with the Dade City Police Department.