FDLE launches investigation into non-fatal deputy-involved shooting that unfolded during a tense armed encounter in Tamarac

Tamarac, Florida – A state-level investigation is now underway after a tense confrontation in Tamarac ended with deputies opening fire on a man authorities say was armed and actively shooting inside a neighborhood home. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken the lead in reviewing the deputy-involved shooting, which occurred Sunday night and left the suspect hospitalized but alive.

The incident began shortly after 9 p.m. when the Broward Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire coming from a residence near the 7800 block of Northwest 74th Avenue. Deputies rushed to the area within minutes. According to early details, the sound of multiple shots echoed through the neighborhood just as responding units arrived, heightening concerns about nearby residents and anyone inside the property.

Deputies soon spotted 35-year-old David Pagan standing in the middle of the roadway. Investigators say he was armed at the time, holding a firearm and ignoring repeated instructions from law enforcement. Officers on scene called out to him to drop the weapon, but according to the information released, Pagan refused to comply. Detectives later stated that he “raised or pointed the firearm at the responding deputies,” prompting the rapid escalation.

Read also: Beats and Bites returns on December 18 with a free 70’s throwback concert that brings music food and community together

Fearing immediate danger, two deputies discharged their weapons. Pagan went down moments later, collapsing onto the roadway. Authorities recovered two firearms beside him, and Tamarac Fire Rescue quickly transported him to Broward Health North, where he remains under medical care. No other injuries were reported, though deputies emphasized the unpredictable and volatile nature of the situation.

As with all deputy-involved shootings in the state, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has opened a full investigation to determine the sequence of events and whether the use of force met the required standards. BSO officials confirmed that their Homicide and Crime Scene units are conducting a parallel inquiry into what led up to the confrontation. Meanwhile, BSO’s Internal Affairs Unit will carry out an administrative review to ensure all agency policies and procedures were followed.

In keeping with standard protocol, the two deputies who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative assignment while the investigations move forward. This step, officials noted, is routine and does not imply wrongdoing.

Read also: Attorney General James Uthmeier announces 135-year prison sentence for offender in child abuse material and animal misconduct case

Pagan is facing a list of serious charges as the case develops. Authorities announced he will be held accountable for seven counts of aggravated assault with a firearm along with one count of discharging a firearm in an occupied dwelling. Additional charges could be considered depending on what the ongoing investigations uncover.

With multiple agencies now reviewing the event from several angles, officials say the goal is to establish a clear and comprehensive account of everything that occurred that night. For now, the case remains open, and the investigation continues.