Suspect Identified in Officer Involved Shooting, Succumbs to Injuries

On February 6th, 2020 a training officer and his trainee conducted a traffic stop around 2:30 a.m. for a faulty tag light. The vehicle came to a stop in the Hooters parking lot on the corner of US 41 and Veterans Boulevard. As deputies approached the vehicle, the passenger immediately opened the passenger door. This man was identified as 37- year old Sean Patrick Constance (12/30/1982). Constance immediately began to fire rounds at the deputies who were within five to ten feet away.

The trainee responded to the gunfire by firing off six rounds and striking the suspect at least three times.

Constance was on probation at the time of this incident and had an extensive criminal history to include violent crimes with 22 arrests in total.

• 2001 Michigan – Escape and Flight
• 2006 Florida – (2) Counts Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement
• 2011 Michigan- Carry Concealed Weapon, Possession Firearm by Felon, Weapons Offense

“It’s very clear that if you are going to come to Charlotte County and commit crime, and you’re going to commit violent crime,then you better be ready to face the consequences because we’re not going to stand for it.”

Sheriff Bill Prummell

This vehicle contained two other occupants who are cooperating with the investigation. The identities of the other occupants will not be released and all three were not residents of Charlotte County. After the occupants were safely secured, deputies rendered aid to Constance. He was transported to a local hospital, then air lifted to Lee Memorial Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The training deputy has been with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately five years. The trainee was in his final two weeks of training, however, has extensive specialized military training. The identification of the deputies involved will not be released under Marsy’s Law.

Per policy, both have been placed on administrative leave. Deputies will receive counseling as we consider their mental health and confirm they are fit for duty.

We are working closely with the State Attorneys Office during this investigation.