Shooting case moves forward

PAISLEY — Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials announced last week that they turned over their investigation of a shooting of a motorist by a deputy to the State Attorney’s Office.

Lake County prosecutors will review the evidence to determine if the shooting was legal, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.

The incident occurred just after midnight on Oct. 11 in Paisley.

Sgt. Fred Jones, sheriff’s spokesman, said in an earlier interview that the deputy was responding to a noise complaint in the Lake Kathryn area when he reportedly saw a vehicle run a stop sign near Nancy Avenue.

The deputy tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver, 51-year-old Robin Pearson, fled and then pulled into a yard on the same street and got out of her vehicle.

Deputies say Pearson started approaching the deputy as he repeatedly ordered her to return to her car. She then reportedly reached into her pocket and began removing something, investigators say, and the deputy shot her.

The item turned out to be a cellphone.

Jones has said the deputy was in fear of his life and acted in self-defense because he didn't know what was in her pocket. The deputy was placed on administrative leave and FDLE took over the criminal investigation.

The deputy, who sheriff’s officials have not identified, remains on paid leave, Lt. John Herrell said Thursday.

“At this point it would still be premature to identify specific charges she might be facing,” said Walter Forgie, supervisor of the State Attorney’s Office.

Pearson, of Paisley, was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford.

Sheriff’s and FDLE officials on Thursday did not say where Pearson is now or where she was shot or what her condition is today. But a resident of the property where Pearson was shot said it appeared she was hit in the leg. Another man at the home said last week he learned Pearson was back at her home.

Pearson could not be reached for comment.

Most suspects who have survived officer-involved shootings during traffic stops in Lake County have been charged with assault or battery on a law enforcement officer upon their release from the hospital and before the case reaches the State Attorney’s Office.

But Jones said Thursday each shooting presents a different set of circumstances and it is unknown if the Sheriff’s Office would charge Pearson.