MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The man who was shot and killed in a Marion County deputy-involved shooting was a suspect in a child molestation case.
Joseph Napoli, 59, was shot and killed on the 15000 block of 160th Avenue Road.
Investigators said the Marion County Major Crimes Unit detectives told deputies to help them locate Napoli, who they said was a suspect in a lewd and lascivious child molestation case.
Investigators said Deputy Jessica Wilkes spotted the man pulled over on side of the road, so she pulled up right behind him, got out of her car and went over to talk with him.
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Officials said while the deputy was talking with the suspect, she discovered he had a gun and she fired when he raised it at her. Deputies said both Wilkes and Napoli fired at the same time, but only the suspect was hit.
Officials said they aren't sure if Wilkes shot the suspect or if he shot himself. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.
"I was just surprised to hear it. You know, I live out here and I was just surprised that it was someone who lived in this area," resident Ralph Scott said.
The suspect's family did not wish to speak to Channel 9.
The suspect had no criminal history in Marion County or any surrounding counties.
Wilkes was placed on paid leave, according to officials.
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