Deputies Shoot Armed Man During Domestic Disturbance in Parrish

A domestic disturbance call in Parrish escalated into gunfire Monday night when deputies shot a man who pointed a firearm at them, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Rick Wells said deputies responded to the 13000 block of Shimmering Amethyst Court around 10 p.m. on September 15. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a woman who reported that her husband, 29-year-old Hayden Firth, had been drinking heavily throughout the day and had left the home with a firearm.

Deputies soon encountered Firth outside the residence. Wells said Firth was belligerent and refused to comply with commands. At one point, he walked away from deputies while ignoring repeated instructions to stop and raise his hands.

When warned that a Taser would be deployed, Firth reportedly dismissed the threat and pulled a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun from his waistband. Deputies said he then pointed the weapon at them, prompting them to fire. Firth was struck three times—once in each arm and once in the lower abdomen.

The exchange lasted less than three minutes. Deputies immediately administered first aid, and Firth was transported to a hospital, where he remained in critical but stable condition.

None of the three deputies involved was injured. They have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation. Wells said the deputies will undergo peer support before returning to duty.