Manatee County, FL — A 61-year-old man was shot and killed by deputies during a barricade situation on Wednesday night after opening fire on law enforcement officers, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 6 p.m. when the Violent Crimes Task Force attempted to serve a search warrant at a residence on 63rd Avenue West. The suspect, Michael Richard Shanteau, was wanted in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on August 25 at the Gold Flower Cannabis Dispensary in Bradenton, where he allegedly stole $1,500 in cash before fleeing.
Deputies say that upon arrival, Shanteau fired multiple gunshots through a closed door, forcing officers to take cover. No deputies were injured.
As a precaution, surrounding homes were evacuated, and the SWAT team was deployed to the scene. Negotiations began, but according to the sheriff’s office, Shanteau fired additional shots at officers during the standoff.
In response, the SWAT team returned fire, fatally shooting Shanteau. No deputies were harmed during the incident.
An investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the exchange.
