On February 21, 2025, deputies responded to a disturbing 911 call at a residence on 6803 Merganser Drive. According to reports, a man—who identified himself and declared he was going to take his own life—abruptly ended the call. When officers arrived, a relative granted them entry, and soon after, the situation escalated dramatically.
Eyewitness accounts and official statements reveal that the man emerged from a bedroom armed with a knife. As deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation by issuing commands to drop the weapon, the man continued advancing. In response, officers discharged their service weapons. After rendering first aid at the scene, the man was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. However, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on February 23, 2025. The man has been identified as Antonio Chez Scippio (born May 28, 1991).
Authorities have provided additional context regarding the response protocols used during the incident. They clarified that although the Behavioral Response Unit (BRU)—which has handled over 15,000 calls since its inception in December 2020—is equipped to manage many mental health crises, its deputy/clinician teams do not directly engage calls involving armed subjects. Instead, the initial response is carried out by deputies whose primary responsibility is to secure the scene and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Only after determining that there is no weapon present and the situation is secure can deputy/clinician teams intervene with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Beyond the BRU, nearly 1,000 deputies have also completed a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to interact with individuals in distress. These layered response protocols are designed to balance the need for immediate safety with the provision of specialized support during mental health emergencies.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has initiated an investigation into the shooting and will forward its findings to the State Attorney’s Office. Following this process, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an internal review. Deputies involved in the incident are currently on temporary, paid administrative leave pending the initial findings. Additionally, body worn camera footage from the event is scheduled for release within 30 days.
As community members await further details, questions continue to be raised about the challenges of managing crisis situations where mental health and public safety intersect. This incident underscores the complexities faced by law enforcement and highlights the ongoing need to refine response strategies in volatile circumstances.
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