Charlotte County traffic stop video shows suspect aiming gun at deputies

CHARLOTTE COUNTY - A traffic stop in Charlotte County nearly turned deadly when an armed suspect attempted to shoot at deputies. The incident, which was captured on video, showed the suspect pulling the trigger, but fortunately, there was no bullet in the chamber.

Charlotte County deputies stopped 41-year-old Amy Lee and 51-year-old Brian Hewson on February 20 for a traffic infraction. Deputies identified Hewson through Lee and discovered that he had warrants out for his arrest.

"There was no time to put that down and draw a firearm," said Chris Hall of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies ordered Hewson to put his hands behind his back, but he quickly drew a firearm and aimed it at a deputy, pulling the trigger.

"They learned who this individual was and that he had warrants out for his arrest. At that time, they wanted to take him into custody," said Hall.

"Very quickly, he drew a firearm and aimed it at our deputy, and even pulled the trigger," Hall added.

Despite the threat, deputies did not reach for their guns. Hall explained that deputies are trained to respond with lethal force when faced with lethal force, but in this instance, the deputy already had a Taser aimed at the suspect.

"Because our deputy already had his Taser out and was already aiming the Taser at the suspect. There was no time to put that down and draw a firearm. Instead, if he had taken that time, he probably would have lost his life," said Hall.

Hewson faces charges in Charlotte County and is also wanted for homicide in Pennsylvania. He is being held without bond.