URGENT UPDATE: A woman has been airlifted following a deputy-involved shooting early this morning in Clearwater, Florida. The incident occurred at approximately 1:59 a.m. on February 3, 2026, in the 2100 block of Capri Drive. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during this alarming event.
According to officials, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an unknown issue. Upon arrival, deputies encountered 40-year-old Megan Ratcliffe, who claimed to be armed with a handgun and had her hands concealed in her jacket. Sensing the potential danger, deputies swiftly retreated to a safe location to reassess the situation.
For nearly 18 minutes, deputies attempted to negotiate with Ratcliffe while establishing a contact team. During this time, the woman was not visible to law enforcement. Suddenly, she emerged onto the roadway, prompting deputies to order her to show her hands. Initially moving cautiously, Ratcliffe began advancing rapidly towards the deputies, at which point she pulled out an object from her jacket.
Investigators later confirmed that the object was a cordless drill, but deputies, fearing for their safety, opened fire. Ratcliffe sustained a single gunshot wound and was subsequently airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. Her current condition remains undisclosed.
Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy stated that, after reviewing body-worn camera footage, he believes this incident may represent a case of “suicide by cop.” In response to the shooting, Chief Deputy Danzig announced that the involved deputies have been placed on routine administrative leave, aligning with agency policy.
The Pinellas County Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, established in 2020, is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. This task force is designed to ensure that investigations of law enforcement’s use of deadly force are thorough and impartial, conducted by an agency not directly involved in the incident.
As the investigation continues, officials will provide updates as new information becomes available. This shocking event raises critical questions about mental health, community safety, and the complexities of law enforcement interactions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the situation unfolds and further details are released.
