An accused burglar was shot and killed by police in Punta Gorda Town. The dead suspect is Shawn Audinett and police say his accomplice was 23-year-old Daniel Sanchez. PG Police say they busted the men inside "Cherish Store" on King Street in Punta Gorda Town 4:30 on Monday morning.
Police responded to a burglary in progress at the store and found a light on and two men attempting to hide. The officers say they identified themselves as police officers and that is when one of the suspects opened fire. Police ran for cover and fired back which is when one of the intruders, who was armed, attempted to escape. He didn't get far and was caught by one of the officers.
A struggle followed and the assailant went for the officer's gun. The police officer in turn went for the suspect's gun and it was during that struggle that both firearms went off. One of the bullets hit the burglar, later identified as Shawn Audinett. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the P.G. Hospital.
Sanchez meanwhile has been detained pending charges. A.25 colt pistol was recovered from Audinett. Sanchez is no stranger to the law. He was released last week after serving prison time for various burglaries. Police are investigating.
