INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Sheriff’s officials released the identity of a Vero Beach man who they said was shot multiple times after he reached into his waistband and charged at a deputy during a traffic stop Wednesday. The man was named as 48-year-old Raymond Benedetti.
The two Indian River County sheriff’s deputies who fired at Benedetti remained on paid administrative leave, which is routine for police-involved shootings, according to sheriff’s officials. The names of the deputies were not publicly released.
“This is obviously a tragic incident, and our hearts go out to all of those involved,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a Friday update. “Our deputies had to make a split-second decision when confronted with a threat. Our whole team performed admirably, and I am proud of the work they do to keep our community safe every day.”
Benedetti’s family was notified of his death, said Capt. Joe Abollo, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. It was unclear if deputies found a weapon on Benedetti or in the vehicle – a black Toyota – which his mother had reported stolen earlier on Wednesday.
The passenger in the vehicle was not charged, Abollo said.
Flowers said deputies were still processing body-camera and dashboard footage. Sheriff’s officials said they plan to release the video in the near future.
Deputies said Benedetti had a history of mental health issues and substance abuse. Benedetti’s mother initially allowed him to drive her Toyota about 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Flowers said Benedetti told his mother he was going to buy an illegal narcotic that helps people who are withdrawing from certain drugs. Later that afternoon, the mother decided to report the Toyota as stolen after he failed to return.
“She said ‘I’m done. My son takes advantage of me. He has a drug problem. I want to report the vehicle stolen,'” Flowers previously said in the news conference held at the crime scene.
Deputies used the Flock Safety license plate reader system to track the vehicle. The Toyota traveled east and had been circling in Gifford.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop along 38th Place between 17th and 19th avenues, just east of U.S. 1. Benedetti followed a deputy’s orders to exit the car and get on his knees.
When the deputy asked to see Benedetti’s hands, Benedetti became non-compliant, reached into his waistband and started making motions as if he were pulling out a weapon, Flowers said.
“Our deputy gave the man commands. At one point (the deputy) fired a round. At that point, the suspect got up, started making more movements and reaching into his pockets,” Flowers said. “The deputy (began) retreating, trying to take cover and the suspect came charging at the deputy.”
The deputy continued to fire toward Benedetti as Benedetti reached into his pockets.
“The gunshots stopped (Benedetti) as our deputy was retreating,” Flowers said. “When he became non-compliant and started making those motions, our deputies did what they had to do.”
Benedetti was taken by ambulance to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead, Flowers said. Flowers described the incident as a “suicide-by-cop.”
One deputy who fired shots has been employed at the sheriff’s office since Dec. 2024 and has six years of experience at another law enforcement agency. The other deputy has been with the sheriff’s office since Nov. 2021.
Flowers said the deadly shooting case will go to a grand jury. The sheriff’s office will conduct a criminal investigation followed by an internal investigation.
“We remain committed to transparency, and we will continue to provide updates as more verified information becomes available,” Flowers said.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
