Derik Bonet-Rodriguez Obituary, Death: Man ID’d after fatal stun gun incident in Osceola County
Derik Bonet-Rodriguez Obituary, Death – The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has released the identity of the man who died following a confrontation with a deputy: 31‑year‑old Derik Bonet‑Rodriguez. According to the agency’s preliminary report, the incident unfolded early Sunday morning near the intersection of North Main Street and Vine Street. Deputies were dispatched after receiving calls about a man darting into traffic, creating a hazard for drivers and endangering himself. When a responding deputy arrived, he spotted Bonet‑Rodriguez moving erratically between the lanes.
Authorities say the deputy attempted to approach and restrain Bonet‑Rodriguez for his own safety and to prevent a possible crash. A struggle quickly developed as Bonet‑Rodriguez resisted the deputy’s efforts. During the scuffle, the deputy deployed a department‑issued Taser in an attempt to subdue him and gain control. After the electric discharge, the deputy managed to handcuff Bonet‑Rodriguez, ending the immediate physical confrontation.
Moments later, deputies noticed that Bonet‑Rodriguez was no longer responsive. They immediately initiated first‑aid procedures, including CPR, while awaiting emergency medical services. Paramedics arrived on scene and transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite resuscitation efforts, Bonet‑Rodriguez was pronounced dead a short time after arrival.
Following standard protocol for incidents involving the use of force that results in death, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken over the investigation. FDLE agents will review body‑camera footage, interview witnesses, and examine the Taser’s electronic data log to determine exactly how many times it was activated and for how long. They will also await autopsy and toxicology results from the medical examiner to learn whether preexisting medical conditions or intoxicants might have contributed to Bonet‑Rodriguez’s death.
The deputy involved has not been publicly named. The sheriff’s office stated he has been placed on administrative leave, a routine measure while an external investigation is underway. Officials have not indicated whether the deputy followed department guidelines during the encounter, leaving those determinations to FDLE’s independent review.
Community members have raised questions about the use of a stun gun in situations involving possible mental‑health crises. Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the deputy faced a rapidly evolving scenario in which Bonet‑Rodriguez was putting himself and motorists at risk by running into traffic. Nonetheless, local advocacy groups are urging a thorough, transparent investigation and a public release of any video evidence.
As FDLE’s inquiry continues, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has pledged full cooperation. Once FDLE completes its findings, the State Attorney’s Office will decide whether further action—ranging from policy changes to potential criminal charges—is warranted.
Friends and family of Derik Bonet‑Rodriguez are mourning his sudden death and awaiting answers about the circumstances that led from a roadside disturbance to a fatal outcome. In the coming weeks, investigators will work to piece together a comprehensive timeline and determine whether the use of a Taser and subsequent restraint were justified under department policy and Florida law.
Until those conclusions are reached, the deputy remains on leave, FDLE agents continue their evidence‑gathering, and a community awaits clarity on a tragic incident that began with an attempt to keep traffic flowing safely.
