Crime & Safety
Naked Woman Fatally Shot by Police
A naked woman with a weapon confronted officer William Mechler and a Hernando Sheriff's deputy while they were off duty at a gathering.
An off-duty Tampa police officer was involved in a shooting Saturday that left a woman dead.
Tampa Police Officer William W. Mechler, 26, was at a “social gathering” with Hernando County Sheriff’s Det. Rocky Howard, 31, in Spring Hill when they were approached by “an armed, naked and irrational female,” according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
The gathering was at 9070 Orchard Parkway in Spring Hill, according to the Hernando County Sheriff' Office.
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Both law enforcement officers were off duty.
The woman confronted them with a weapon, according to the police. One or both of the officers fired guns at her, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
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The woman was shot and died at the scene from her injuries.
The woman’s identity has not been released.
Both law enforcement officers have put on routine administrative leave while the incident is being looked into.
Mechler has four years experience in law enforcement. Howard has six years experience with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.
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