Manatee County deputy pulled agency-issued gun on man during argument at park: MCSO

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Manatee County corrections deputy was arrested Tuesday in Sarasota in connection to an argument at a park last month, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies said Benjamin Sampey, 21, was involved in an argument at Ackerman Park on June 21 when he pulled out his agency-issued handgun and pointed it at another man’s head.

He told deputies he did it in self-defense while breaking up a fight, but his story conflicted with statements from witnesses.

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

Sampey resigned his position shortly after his arrest. He was hired by the sheriff’s office in 2023.

He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, without intent to kill.

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