33-Year-Old Skyler Wentworth of Titusville Dies After High-Speed Chase Ends in Fatal Shooting by Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputies

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Man Shot by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Deputies in High-Speed Chase in Marion County Dies

A high-speed chase led by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Friday ended tragically when the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Skyler Wentworth of Titusville, was shot and killed. Citrus officials delayed releasing his name until his family could be notified.

The chase began when Citrus deputies attempted to stop Wentworth for a traffic violation in the Hernando area. Instead of pulling over, Wentworth fled, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, Wentworth threw a black bag from his vehicle, which deputies later discovered contained pressed pills that tested positive for fentanyl.

Initially, the pursuit was called off when deputies noticed a female and a child in the vehicle, both appearing scared. However, the chase resumed after deputies determined the need to apprehend Wentworth outweighed the risk to the passengers. Eventually, Wentworth’s vehicle slowed down, allowing the passengers to exit safely.

The chase continued into Marion County via State Road 200, where a Marion deputy used the PIT maneuver to stop Wentworth’s vehicle. Unfortunately, the vehicle crashed into a wooden utility pole in the 7400 block of SR 200. Wentworth then exited the vehicle armed with a rifle.

Citrus officials stated that their deputies fired their weapons at Wentworth, neutralizing the threat to both the public and law enforcement. Wentworth was transported to a medical facility for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

Col. Elena Vitt, speaking on behalf of Citrus officials, highlighted Wentworth’s extensive criminal history and stated that lethal force was a last resort to protect the community. Vitt emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety.

Three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure during investigations conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The deputies’ names have not been released by Citrus officials.

Wentworth’s criminal history dates back to 2011 and includes convictions for drug possession, grand theft, burglary, and evading law enforcement. He was released from prison on October 14 and was on probation for various offenses at the time of the incident.

A witness, Trevor Birdwhistell, described the events leading up to the shooting. Birdwhistell saw Wentworth exit the damaged SUV with a rifle and witnessed law enforcement officials instructing him to drop the weapon. Despite the commands, Wentworth refused to comply, prompting authorities to open fire. Birdwhistell captured the incident on video, which showed Wentworth being shot multiple times before eventually being apprehended.

The FDLE’s investigation into the incident is expected to take several months as agents conduct interviews and gather evidence. Once completed, the report will be submitted to the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for review.

Prosecutors will ultimately determine if the use of deadly force by the deputies was justified in this case..