Fugitive shot after pulling gun on Flagler County deputies during traffic stop, sheriff's office says

A man was shot by Flagler County deputies after they say he pulled a gun on them during a traffic stop and they were forced to open fire.

Deputies responded to 6262 Sabal Palms Street in Bunnell just before midnight where they say a deputy-involved shooting had occurred. 

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Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly spoke about the shooting on Thursday afternoon.

Sheriff Rick Staly said a fugitive wanted on felony warrants, later identified as 30-year-old Steven Barneski, was spotted in a neighborhood near State Road 100 and was pulled over.

However, when deputies tried to get him out of the car, the man pulled out a gun. That's when three deputies were forced to open fire, officials said. Sheriff Staly says the suspect was shot multiple times.

The suspect was taken to Halifax Health Hospital in Daytona Beach. The suspect is said to be in serious condition. The Sheriff also said that he has been arrested several times in the past and has had combative interactions with deputies before.

The deputies involved are safe and are on administrative leave while an investigation into the shooting continues.

He said that "if you pull a gun on a deputy sheriff, you can expect to be shot."

MOBILE USERS: Click here to watch the Flagler County news conference