Hillsborough County Deputies Shoot, Kill Man With Assault Rifle Wearing Tactical Gear

BRANDON, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 34-year-old man in Hillsborough County on April 23, 2025.

At approximately 7:24 a.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received multiple reports of an adult male, later identified as Vincent Tyler Morin, carrying a large assault rifle and wearing military-style tactical gear near Windingwood Avenue and Providence Road in  Brandon, Florida.

Deputies located Morin walking north on Providence Road toward the Causeway Boulevard intersection.

Upon encountering Morin, deputies repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon, but he did not comply. At 7:38 a.m., three HCSO deputies—Lieutenant William Gergel, Deputy Matthew Fluck, and Deputy Courtney Baldwin—fired multiple shots at Morin. Deputies provided immediate aid at the scene, and Morin was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Lieutenant Gergel, a 35-year veteran with HCSO, Deputy Fluck, with one year and one month of service, and Deputy Baldwin, with six months of service, have no prior use-of-force incidents. All three have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the FDLE investigation, per standard protocol.

“This was an extremely dangerous situation for our community. An individual armed with an assault rifle and dressed in tactical gear posed a real and immediate threat,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

“Our deputies acted quickly and decisively to protect lives and prevent further danger. Their actions reflect the bravery and commitment we ask of them every day.”

The FDLE’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and findings will be reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office.