In a dramatic series of events, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies fatally shot Skyler Wentworth, a 33-year-old man from Titusville, following a high-speed car chase that spanned two counties.

The incident, which began in Citrus County and concluded in Marion County on the evening of November 24, 2023, has sparked an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The chase started when deputies attempted to stop Wentworth, who was driving a Mitsubishi SUV and suspected of a felony warrant in Hernando. As per reports, Wentworth evaded the stop and deputies initiated the pursuit.

In an attempt to halt Wentworth, deputies deployed a Stop Stick, a tire deflation device twice. The first attempt was unsuccessful, but the second managed to slow down the vehicle, although Wentworth continued to drive into Marion County along Highway 200.

During the chase, deputies momentarily ceased their pursuit upon noticing a female passenger and a child in distress attempting to leave the car. The chase resumed after Wentworth allowed the woman and child to exit the vehicle. The pursuit ended when Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies performed a PIT maneuver, causing Wentworth’s vehicle to crash into a power pole.

After the crash, Wentworth exited his vehicle armed with a rifle, posing an immediate threat to deputies and civilians in the vicinity. Citrus County deputies, in response to the threat, opened fire, critically injuring Wentworth, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Colonel Elena Vitt from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office highlighted Wentworth’s criminal history, noting his status as a registered career criminal with an extensive drug-related record in Citrus County. She emphasized that deputies are prepared to use lethal force to protect the community but never wish to resort to such measures.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in accordance with Citrus County Sheriff’s Office policy, is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting, alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.