Known Gangbanger Ties Up And Robs 89 Year Old Man, Gets Into Shootout With Cops, Gets Sent To Hell In A Hail Of Bullets

SPRING HILL, Fla. (WFLA) — Deputies said they shot and killed a “documented gang member” after he shot at deputies while he was hiding in a Spring Hill home with four other people inside Tuesday afternoon.

The deceased was identified as 42-year-old Victor Thomas Torres Jr.

Two woman were also taken into custody, according to Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. Law enforcement is not sure of the women’s connection to the man or crimes at this time.

Deputies said it all started when the three individuals committed a home invasion robbery in Hudson around 2:30 Tuesday morning. They tied up an 89-year-old man and stole some things from him including his car.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said the house was unlocked.

The investigation eventually led them to Spring Hill, where around 6:45 a.m. deputies found the stolen vehicle on fire on Dandelion Court. Nienhuis said they believe the three suspects set the vehicle on fire intentionally.

The two women were later found at a gas station on County Line Road later that morning. Deputies said one of the women had burn injuries. They also said one was previously arrested for shooting a dog with a BB gun several hundred times.

Around 1:50 p.m., law enforcement eventually tracked Torres to a house on Bancroft Avenue where they said he started shooting at them from the garage. There were also four people in the house, including two children.

Nocco said there was no indications that the suspect shot at anyone in the home.

Nienhuis said three Hernando County deputies and one Pasco County deputy shot back at the man.

The suspect the ran from the house, according to deputies. He ran down Davenport Lane over to Cobblestone Drive, exchanging gunfire with law enforcement as he ran.

HCSO said Torres was hit by at least one round around 2:05 p.m. He was then taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

One Hernando County deputy suffered minor injuries, according to Sheriff Nienhuis.

All deputies involved were placed on administrative pending the result of the investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will handle the investigation into the deputies.

The sheriff’s office said they had increased law enforcement presence in the area of Cobblestone Drive and Davenport Lane during the investigation.

Residents were asked to stay inside and avoid the area if possible. However, there is no longer any threat to the community, according to deputies.

The sheriff’s office said their investigation is still underway.