Deputy cleared after shooting, killing man during a disturba

By BRAD ****ERSON | Highlands Today

SEBRING The fatal shooting of a Sebring man on July 31 by a Highlands County Sheriff's deputy was deemed justified by the state attorney's office.

In a Sept. 29 letter to Sheriff Susan Benton, Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin stated that his office would take no further action against Deputy Steven Ritenour.
Ritenour was dispatched to 1016 Wightman Ave., after a domestic disturbance call was received. Peter Russo, 51, was reportedly intoxicated and had broken a glass window or door at his girlfriend's house to try and get inside to hurt her.

When Ritenour arrived, Russo was outside and standing in the open door of his SUV, Houchin stated. The suspect was reportedly armed with a large butcher knife and he ignored the deputy's orders to drop it, leading Ritenour to draw his weapon.

"As Russo completed his turn, Deputy Ritenour observed what he believed to be a black revolver in Russo's right hand," Houchin stated in the letter. "Deputy Ritenour further states that Russo stepped toward him and extended the revolver."

Ritenour fired his weapon six times, striking Russo in the chest three times, according to Houchin. Dispatchers reportedly heard "drop the knife," "shots fired" and "suspect down" through the deputy's chest mike.

Russo was taken to Highlands Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The woman who lived at the home told investigators that Russo was a friend and came to the house drunk, cutting his hand on the glass door. Her daughter reportedly called the sheriff's office.

"When Russo heard this, he said, 'Let the cops come, I'm ready for them,'" Houchin stated.

Investigators reportedly found the apparent black revolver and knife on the ground where Russo fell. An examination of the gun revealed it was a loaded toy cap pistol that was painted black to resemble a real firearm. A search warrant was executed at Russo's home, and investigators discovered a second toy gun identical to the one found at the scene, according to Houchin. The only difference was the second cap gun was not painted black.

Russo's father told law enforcement he'd given his son the two toy guns as collector's items.

Highlands Today reporter Brad ****erson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or b****erson@highlandstoday.com

" Russo's father told law enforcement he'd given his son the two toy guns as collector's items."

What utter horse s&%t, you could buy those guns in any Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart. What in the hell would make a cheap plastic toy like that a "collectors item" peaple can be so freakin stupid.
Rit....Thanks for doing your job and protecting an ignorant/ often ungrateful / public.

....and sorry we had to be code 1 to back you up, bro. GG's spine removal surgery when he came to road patrol kept you in a potentially terrible situation for a bit longer than necessary. Glad it turned out OK. This time, anyway.

[tone2360]

Further facts of that case can reveal the woman was under the influence of alcohol along with her friend and daughter. Also, nothing has evolved from a request to investigate the woman, who was getting Mr.Russo to drink alcohol as to take advantage of him when she full well knew he had a mental disability, .. The full facts of this case were never exploited and a quick closing ensued. Inappropriate conduct to say the least in all aspects of this case is easily identified and revealable. Incomplete and dictated reporting are not at all fair to the deceased. One question, what should happen when an officer fires shots before giving a verbal warning when he is more than 21 ft. from an ALLEGED suspect with a mental and hearing disability and a riding lawnmower running within 35 ft. Dispatchers and 911 operators are required to ask those questions so as to inform the officers responding to the call!!

Ok, lets look at a FACT you left out. A man takes a toy gun, removes the orange tip, and paints it black. WHY?
FACT : Reaction is always slower than Action. You can not interview a person before that person can KILL you.
Solution: Do Not Paint a Toy Gun to Make it look REAL. Do not pick up a knife anf said gun. And Do not approach an Officer with these items in hand.
I sorry this man put himself in this situation. I sorry an officer has to live with the fact he had to take a life. Something NO ONE should have to live with. But the FACT is this man has to take responsiblity for his actions. If there is no knife or gun in this man's hands he is still alive today.

[b][i]The Deputy clearly states in his sworn statement "you couldn't even tell on the tape" pertaining to what the subject was holding, But there is not supposed to be a tape . WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY TO EXPLAIN THAT ONE? YOU will get your chance.FACT: in our copy of the 911 recording the Deputy CLEARLY FIRES TWO ROUNDS FIRST AND THEN SAYS "PUT IT DOWN" , AND THE SUBJECT WAS STRUCK IN THE RIGHT LAT BELOW THE SHOULDER, AND BELOW THE RIGHT SHOULDER BLADE.How about a chance at that one? I can't hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[b][i]The Deputy clearly states in his sworn statement "you couldn't even tell on the tape" pertaining to what the subject was holding, But there is not supposed to be a tape . WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY TO EXPLAIN THAT ONE? YOU will get your chance.FACT: in our copy of the 911 recording the Deputy CLEARLY FIRES TWO ROUNDS FIRST AND THEN SAYS "PUT IT DOWN" , AND THE SUBJECT WAS STRUCK IN THE RIGHT LAT BELOW THE SHOULDER, AND BELOW THE RIGHT SHOULDER BLADE.How about a chance at that one? I can't hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Irrelevant. Weapon or (simulated weapon) is in the hands of a reported threat, regardless of what was yelled by the deputy and/or when, is exactly that. A threat. Its manner of presentation is up to interpretation, and thank God that the LEO in this case did what he was supposed to do- and trained to do. An LEO does not always have time to shout multiple commands to what is an actual or even percieved armed assailant. If you don't like it, examine the training.

The LEO is not obligated to sit and have coffee with the guy to find out if his weapon is real and what his intentions are. Your argument is a futile attempt to stir crap. Anyone who is a rational person sees your intention and motive.

I'm sure the families of all the past killed Police Officers wish there loved ones would have shot first instead of waiting to see if
the threat was real and loosing their life over it. No matter what you say about the Officer, based on the call, situation, information he
received while enroute, and the fact he is still alive, shows he acted properly. Remember: The people involed called the Sheriff's Office screaming for help- The officer just didn't drive by and decided to stop and " pick " on someone. Stop trying to cause unneeded pain for either side and get a life.

The excuses for some of you are endless. Your far from perfect, yet can never be man enough to admit when your wrong. The man just lit a cigarette when he was struck with the first round., in the back. He was the one who had no time to respond. I see no point in arguing with a one sided individual, especially a corrupt one.

I have a life. a very serious life as I take life serious, unlike your obvious lack of compassion for any one other than your pitiful little self. If you want pity, go home and cry to your Mommy. Other wise, be a MAN and conduct yourself as a professional.