23-074 ***UPDATE - State Attorney`s Office Releases Results Of Investigation Into Officer-Involved Shooting; Shooting Justified*** Detectives Investigate Pinellas Park Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting
Taskforce Investigation
***Update as of 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023***
The State Attorney's Office released the results of their investigation involving the Pinellas Park Police Department officer-involved shooting of 36-year-old Jared Rudderham.
In a letter sent to Chief Haworth on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, State Attorney Bruce Bartlett stated, "As a result of our investigation, I have determined that Officer Cameron Williams was in the lawful performance of his duties when Jared Rudderham, while committing an armed trespass and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, racked a Glock 19 9mm semiautomatic handgun and pointed it at Officer Williams, a uniformed police officer. The force Officer Williams used was a reasonable response to the circumstances and Jared Rudderham's actions. Additionally, Officer Williams had every reason to be justifiably in fear for his own life, the lives of the other officers, and civilians in the immediate area.”
The State Attorney's Office concluded that the death of Jared Rudderham was justifiable homicide, pursuant to Florida Statute 776.012, 776.032, and 776.05(1).
The State Attorney's letter can be viewed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6DCJJnDB0hboWb8f7iXNq_ELdYrw_Rf/view?usp=drive_link
***END OF UPDATE***
*** UPDATE as of 12:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2023 ***
On May 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., Sheriff Gualtieri and Chief Haworth held a press conference to provide an update and release body-worn camera video from the Pinellas Park Police Department officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 30, 2023.
To view the press conference, visit: https://youtu.be/WXMNkeqsVKo
***END OF UPDATE***
**Prior Update***
Update as of 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Jared Daniel Rudderham (Suspect – Deceased)
DOB: 03/30/1987
Address: 5855 Mangrove Street North, St. Petersburg.
36-year-old Jared Rudderham has been identified as the suspect in the officer-involved shooting.
Rudderham has a lengthy criminal history, including burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence, DUI, aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon, false imprisonment, criminal mischief, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and domestic battery.
Next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
*** End of Update***
***Original News Release***
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Clearwater Police Department
-St. Petersburg Police Department
Pinellas Park Police Department
Pinellas Park Police Officer Cameron Williams (Officer – Uninjured)
Age: 30
Date of hire: 5/21/2014
Pinellas Park Police Officer Christian Raymond (Officer – Uninjured)
Age: 29
Date of hire: 12/10/2018
Pinellas Park Police Officer Ryan Poletz (Officer – Uninjured)
Age: 30
Date of hire: 06/22/2017
Pinellas Park Police Corporal Graham Fox (Officer – Uninjured)
Age: 46
Date of hire: 06/22/2017
PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force are investigating a Pinellas Park Police Department officer-involved shooting.
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on May 30, 2023, Pinellas Park Police Department officers responded to a Domestic call at 5000 94th Avenue North in Pinellas Park.
According to detectives, the suspect arrived at the occurred location, which is the residence of the suspect’s girlfriend. Per detectives, the suspect was involved in a verbal altercation with his girlfriend. Fearing for her safety, the suspect’s girlfriend called 911.
Shortly after Pinellas Park Police officers arrived on scene, Corporal Graham Fox observed the suspect in the backyard of the residence, holding what he believed to be a cell phone. Officer Cameron Willams, Officer Christian Raymond, and Officer Ryan Poletz went around the opposite side of the residence to make contact with the suspect. As Officer Williams, Officer Raymond, and Officer Poletz entered the backyard, the suspect removed a semi-automatic Glock 19 pistol from his waistband. Corporal Fox and Officer Williams saw the suspect remove the pistol from his waistband and rack it, charging the firearm. While racking the firearm, the suspect turned towards Officer Williams, at which time Officer Williams fired, striking the suspect approximately four times.
The suspect was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where he was pronounced deceased.
At this time, the next of kin has not been notified. Once the next of kin has been notified, the suspect’s name will be released.
The investigation continues.
To view the press conference, visit: https://youtu.be/c57XAZpr_i8
