Sarasota Man Shot by Deputies Arrested on Outstanding Warrant

Robert Boast remains hospitalized in critical condition after pointing gun at officers during disturbance call.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a handgun's trigger and grip, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a black background, conveying the stark, gritty reality of a police confrontation.A recent police shooting highlights the dangers officers face when responding to calls involving individuals with a history of violent crime.Sarasota Today

A 55-year-old Sarasota man was shot by deputies after he allegedly pointed a gun at them during a disturbance call. Robert James Boast remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition and has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for violation of pretrial release for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges law enforcement face when responding to calls involving potentially armed suspects. It also raises questions about Boast's mental health and criminal history, and whether more could have been done to de-escalate the situation before lethal force was used.

The details

Deputies responded to a 911 call about a disturbance on Thursday evening in the 2100 block of 59th Street in Sarasota. When they made contact with Boast behind the residence, he allegedly removed a handgun from his waistband. After deputies issued commands for Boast to drop the weapon, he pointed the gun at one of the deputies, prompting two deputies to discharge their firearms.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2026 around 6:34 p.m.
  • Boast remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

The players

Robert James Boast

A 55-year-old Sarasota resident who was shot by deputies after allegedly pointing a gun at them during a disturbance call. Boast has an outstanding warrant for violation of pretrial release for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and was involved in the shooting incident with Boast.

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What’s next

The incident remains under investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued training and de-escalation tactics for law enforcement when dealing with individuals in crisis, as well as the importance of addressing underlying mental health and criminal justice issues in the community.