A Beverly Hills woman was shot and killed just after 6 a.m. on Thursday as SWAT teams from Citrus and Hernando counties were executing a drug search warrant.
The woman was not immediately identified, but on Friday, her name was released by authorities. She is Jessica Cribbs, 45.
According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the warrant was at 6019 W. Rio Grande Drive in Beverly Hills. SWAT team members announced themselves multiple times before they entered the residence, the CCSO said. Preliminary information indicates that they encountered a white female subject who was armed with a gun.
After refusing verbal commands for the woman to llower her weapon, she was shot by deputies. She was pronounced dead at the scene, the CCSO said.
Two other individuals were injured during the execution of the search warrant, and were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the Sheriff’s Office said. The two individuals have since been treated and released.
No deputies from either agency were injured.
During the course of the search, deputies located 11 occupants, including an infant and seven dogs.
As with any officer involved shooting, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. Following standard protocol, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the preliminary FDLE investigation.
Arrested and charged were:
- Cody Blagburn, 23, from Beverly Hills, – Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (4.3 pounds), Possession of Controlled Substance (16.5 Clonazepam), Possession of Paraphernalia (Distribution equipment). His bod was set at $8,000.
- Camreyn Holloway, 18, from Beverly Hills, – Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (30 grams) and Possession of Paraphernalia (Distribution equipment). Bond was set at $6.000.
Other charges may be forthcoming.
UPDATE on Aug. 31, 2018 from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office:
The name of the Hernando County Sheriff’s deputy involved in Thursday’s deputy-involved shooting in Citrus County is E.J. Varrichio. Deputy Varrichio has been employed with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office since June 6,2011. He is 32 years old.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was notified and will be investigating the case. As per standard protocol, the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave.