St. Pete man who threatened to kill everyone is fatally shot by Pinellas Park officers
By: Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri gave an update on an officer-involved shooting that unfolded in Pinellas Park early Tuesday morning.
According to detectives, four Pinellas Park Police officers responded to a domestic call at a home in Pinellas Park Tuesday around 12:40 a.m.
Deputies said 36-year-old Jared Rudderham had gotten into a verbal altercation with his ex-girlfriend, who shares a 7-year-old child, at her home when the girl dialed 911 out of fear for her safety.
Gualtieri said Rudderham texted his ex-girlfriend earlier that day, saying he was going to kill everyone. Later that night, the ex-girlfriend said Rudderham was trying to convince her to come outside, but she refused. He continued making statements about wanting to kill himself.
The ex-girlfriend had asked if he had a gun, but Rudderham refused to answer and continued to try to get her to go outside. She described his demeanor as “scary calm.”
When officers arrived at the home, one officer saw Rudderham in the backyard of the home, pacing and holding what he believed to be a cell phone. At the same time, three other officers approached from the opposite side to speak with the man.
As the three officers entered the backyard, deputies said Rudderham pulled out a semi-automatic Glock 19 pistol from his waistband that contained 28 rounds of ammunition.
One officer saw Rudderham rack the weapon, charging it. As Rudderham racked the gun, he turned towards the officer who fired at Rudderham striking him four times.
“He had a pre-conceived and pre-determined notion as to what he was going to do,” Gualtieri said. “And he did it.”
Rudderham was rushed to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he was pronounced dead.
The officer who fatally shot Rudderhma in the head is now on leave. The shooting is under investigation.
The 7-year-old child was not at the home during the incident.
Rudderham allegedly had a history of mental illness and was on medications for anxiety and depression. Deputies believe his suicidal thoughts stemmed from jealousy over his ex-girlfriend’s relationship with other men.
Authorities said Rudderham has a lengthy criminal history, including burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest without violence, DUI, aggravated domestic assault with a deadly weapon, improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon, false imprisonment, criminal mischief, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and domestic battery.