In a shocking turn of events, a Florida sheriff’s deputy shot and critically injured a man who pointed a firearm at him during a tense domestic violence call. This alarming incident, which escalated rapidly, was captured on body cam footage, showcasing the dangerous reality that law enforcement faces in such volatile situations.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office made the footage public on Sunday, revealing chilling moments as one of their deputies ascended the steps of a residence in Riverview, where the suspect Manuel Alvarez was reportedly staying with his female companion. The video highlights the critical moments leading up to the confrontation, emphasizing the risks involved in responding to domestic disputes.

The deputy, identified as Shawn Swinford, was equipped with his body camera and had his firearm aimed ahead as he called out to Alvarez, who was offscreen and reportedly making verbal threats about shooting the police. This moment underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers who respond to potentially life-threatening situations involving firearms and domestic violence.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Swinford encountered 50-year-old Alvarez positioned in the doorway of a room, aiming a firearm directly at him. This critical moment escalated rapidly, leading to a dangerous standoff that could have had dire consequences for both the deputy and the suspect involved.

As tensions reached a breaking point, chaos erupted. Swinford discharged his service weapon, firing at least one round into Alvarez, aiming to neutralize the threat posed by the armed suspect. The urgency of the situation highlights the split-second decisions that law enforcement must make when confronted with imminent danger.

Authorities reported that the incident began at 3:47 AM on Sunday when an emergency call was made to 911, indicating a domestic disturbance at a residence in the Tampa area. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Alvarez’s female companion outside, who had allegedly been assaulted. She informed deputies that Alvarez was armed with a pistol and still inside the house, escalating the urgency of the situation.

After being shot, Alvarez was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and was reported to be in critical but stable condition. The medical team is closely monitoring his recovery as the investigation unfolds.