Sarasota deputies shoot armed convicted felon

Lawrence Gudmestad, 49, was shot by deputies when he aimed a rifle at them and refused to put the weapon down early this morning at 3500 Aloha Way.

Deputies had encountered Gudmestad after 2 a.m. this morning when they tried to stop a red Chrysler convertible for speeding. Gudmestad initially pulled over but drove off again. Deputies did not pursue, but they later located the car at the registered owner’s address at 3500 Aloha Way.

At 3:30 a.m., Gudmestad exited the home with a rifle and refused to drop the weapon. He took aim at Sergeant Mark Tuls and Deputy Josh Gnesin. The deputies they fired and hit Gudmestad in the shoulder.

Gudmestad is being treated at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. After treatment, he will be booked on two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm on a Law Enforcement Office, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and one count of Aggravated Fleeing to Elude.

Gudmestad has a violent history with 15 prior felony convictions and has been sentenced to prison 5 times.

Click here to view the Probable Cause Affidavit.