Manatee County deputy sheriff arrested after gun dispute

SARASOTA, Fla. – A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing aggravated assault charges after he got into an argument with another man and put a gun to his head, according to the agency.

On Tuesday, officers arrested 21-year-old Benjamin Sampey after he was allegedly involved in an altercation at Ackerman Park in Sarasota on Friday, June 21.

According to investigators, Sampey told Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office officers that he broke up a fight and then drew his department-issued handgun in self-defense.

As investigators later learned from witness statements, Sampey had actually been arguing with another, unidentified man and had held a gun to his head.

Following his arrest, Sampey reportedly resigned from his post. He first joined the organization in February 2023.

He is now charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

“This behavior is unacceptable to any employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Rick Wells said in a statement. “I commend the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for their swift action in this case.”

An internal investigation and a criminal investigation are currently underway into this incident.