ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A late-night traffic stop escalated into a critical incident involving multiple law enforcement agencies early Friday morning. The Use of Deadly Force Task Force was promptly activated to investigate the series of events that unfolded, with the St. Petersburg Police Department taking the lead in the inquiry.
The incident began around 1:29 a.m. when a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of 113th Street North and Park Boulevard. The driver, later identified as 64-year-old Marina Deflippo, reportedly ran a red light. During the stop, Deflippo, who appeared to be speaking in Russian, claimed that the CIA was pursuing her. The situation quickly escalated when she abruptly drove away.
In response, deputies deployed stop sticks in an attempt to halt Deflippo’s vehicle. Despite this, she continued westward onto the beach area, where Indian Shores Police Department intervened with a felony traffic stop. During this encounter, Deflippo allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting officers to use less-lethal measures to subdue her. However, she rammed one of the police vehicles and fled northbound on Gulf Boulevard.
The pursuit reached a critical point outside a location on Gulf Boulevard, where deputies employed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop Deflippo’s vehicle. Despite the efforts to de-escalate the situation, Deflippo continued to wave her weapon and attempted to escape once more, ramming several vehicles in the process. It was then that deputies discharged their firearms, striking her multiple times.
Deflippo was transported to the hospital in critical condition. A deputy involved in the incident also sustained injuries from a vehicle collision and is currently receiving medical care. Seven deputies were involved in the shooting, and their identities are expected to be released later.
Authorities confirmed that Deflippo, who has no prior criminal history, faces potential charges including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, with further details anticipated as more evidence is gathered.
Chief Deputy David Danzig mentioned the deputies involved have varying tenures with the department, ranging from two to over 20 years of service. None of the Indian Shores officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
Currently, it remains unclear whether Deflippo discharged her firearm during the confrontation. The investigation will continue to determine the sequence of events and any additional charges she may face.