Sarasota, FL – A deputy-involved shooting in a Sarasota neighborhood Thursday evening left a 55-year-old man hospitalized in critical condition after allegedly pointing a handgun at responding deputies.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded around 6:25 p.m. Thursday when deputies were dispatched to the 2100 block of 59th Street following a reported disturbance call received by the agency’s Emergency Operations Bureau. Authorities said four deputies arrived on scene approximately nine minutes later and located an adult male seated behind a residence.
Investigators say that upon contact, the man—identified as Robert James Boast—allegedly removed a handgun from his waistband. Deputies reportedly issued repeated verbal commands for Boast to drop the weapon. Officials stated Boast then allegedly pointed the firearm in the direction of one of the deputies, prompting two deputies to discharge their service weapons in response to what they described as an immediate threat.
Deputies at the scene rendered first aid until Sarasota County Fire Rescue personnel arrived. Boast was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Authorities confirmed Boast was also arrested on an outstanding Manatee County warrant for allegedly violating pretrial release conditions tied to a previous aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charge.
A search warrant has since been obtained for the residence as investigators continue to gather evidence. The sheriff’s office said the shooting remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional details may be released as they become available.
No deputies were reported injured in the incident.
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