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Tarpon Springs Chief Condemns ‘Misinformation’ about Officer-Involved Shooting

Tarpon Springs Police Car | Crime | Public Safety

The chief identified the officer who shot and killed a man Saturday (May 6) and condemned “misinformation” about the incident on social media.

TARPON SPRINGS – Police Chief Robert Kochen issued a statement today (May 9) that identified the officer who shot and killed a man during a car show Saturday (May 6).

Kochen also criticized the misinformation about the incident, which happened when Officer Scott MacIsaac shot and killed Nicholas A. Provenza, 25, of Palm Harbor. MacIsaac said Mr. Provenza pulled a knife on him. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

Here is Kochen’s statement:

“I want to first express that the loss of life, under any conditions, is truly devastating; and, although we are police officers, we are human beings and understand emotions. We empathize with family and friends over the loss of this life and will attempt to address issues with dignity and respect.

“Before we release the name of the officer involved, it is imperative to address an issue, which has erupted, especially via social media. That issue is misinformation. Initially, this was part of the reason that the officer’s name was not immediately released, as individuals without facts began to make accusations and express inflammatory language, which had to be vetted, in regard to the officer involved.

Robert Kochen | Tarpon Springs Police Chief | Crime
Robert Kochen

“Since that time, the misinformation has continued from various individuals, who do not have knowledge concerning the case but will either disseminate a false narrative or fill in the unknown with speculation. For instance, individuals have falsely identified Tarpon Springs Police Major Michael Trill as the officer involved, which has been followed by malicious accusations being made about him, mention of going to the officer’s residence and mention of his family; and it was based on false information.

“Additionally, there is inaccurate information being disseminated that the subject was either unarmed or had sunglasses in his hand. This is not the case. It is to be noted that the weapon used by the subject was recovered and was entered into evidence as part of the investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“We urge everyone to cease the misinformation and allow the thorough investigation to be accomplished. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office investigation will be thorough, and we ask that everyone allows these outside agencies to do their diligent work in regard to the case.

“Now… the name of the officer involved in the shooting on Saturday is Officer Scott MacIsaac, who has been with the police department since 2011. Officer MacIsaac is currently assigned to patrol and is a field training officer for the department. He recently completed crisis intervention training in April of this year.

“Officer MacIsaac was placed on administrative leave with pay, pending Tarpon Springs Police Department’s preliminary review, which is directed by policy. Upon completion of the FDLE and State Attorney’s investigation, their findings will be released to the public. In addition, the Tarpon Springs Police Department will conduct an additional Internal Affairs investigation in regard
to department policies and procedures.

“We additionally ask for understanding for the officer, who is also dealing with this very emotional incident, as are those close to him. As noted before, misinformation can have a serious effect on individuals, so we request a respectful response to the incident. Threats toward law enforcement officers or their families – which only serve to enflame the situation and serve no legitimate purpose – will be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities and handled accordingly.

“In conclusion, this type of incident is difficult for everyone involved or affected. We offer condolences to the family and friends of Nicholas. We ask that you allow the investigating agencies the respect to complete their duties in regard to this investigation and allow the process to take place legitimately. We implore the public to not partake in the misinformation that is circulated, by either disseminating this false information or blindly believing it.

“When additional information is available for release, it will be done so in a timely manner and with transparency.”

For information about the Tarpon Springs Police Department, go to tspd.us.

For a related story about this incident, click here.

Tarpon Springs Police | Officer-Involved Shooting | Nicholas Provenza | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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