FL Deputy Pointed Gun At Man’s Head During Argument: Sheriff

SARASOTA, FL — A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, according to a news release from the agency.

Benjamin Sampey, 21, of Bradenton was involved in a June 21 altercation at Ackerman Park in Sarasota.

He initially told Sarasota County deputies that he pulled out his agency-issued handgun in self-defense when breaking up a fight, MCSO said.

Witnesses told investigators that Sampey wasn’t breaking up a fight, but pointed his gun at a man’s head while arguing with him.

“This is not acceptable behavior for any employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Rick Wells said. "I commend (the) Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for taking swift action on this case.”

Sampey was hired by MCSO in February of 2023 and was assigned to the Corrections Bureau. He resigned not long after his arrest.An internal investigation and an active criminal investigation are ongoing, the sheriff’s office said.