NSB cops: Security guard cleared of wrongdoing in fatal shooting of armed pharmacy robber
Posted Tue, 2009-02-10 18:11
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Courtesy photo. Retired law enforcement officer Kenneth Smith, working as a private security guard at the Medicine Shoppe on North Dixie Freeway, was justified in the fatal shooting of armed robber Keith Allen Higginbotham, shown here..
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A preliminary investigation into Saturday's fatal shoting of an armed robber at the Medicine Shoppe on North Dixie Freeway indicates lethal force was justified, the New Smyrna Beach police Department announced this afternoon.
"On Monday, February 9, the Homicide Investigative Unit (HIU), and detectives from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, met with HIU attorneys from the State Attorney’s Office, police spokesman Sgt. Michael Brouillette said in a press statement. "Their preliminary findings indicated that Security Guard Kenneth Smith’s actions were justified. The investigation is ongoing. A final determination in this case will be made after the investigation is completed."
New Smyrna Beach Police responded to the Medicine Shoppe, 653 N. Dixie Freeway after receiving a 911 call in reference to an armed robbery with shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers "secured the crime scene and their initial investigation revealed that Keith Allen Higginbotham burst through the pharmacy door wearing a mask, pulled out a gun pointing it at Jack Bosker, the pharmacist and immediately threw a backpack at him, while continuously demanding Roxicodone (brand named for the painkiller Oxycodone)," according to the police report.
That is when Smith, the armed security guard employed by the pharmacy, confronted the gunman, who pointed his gun at Smith, a retired police captain with the New Smyrna Beach Police Department and a former Volusia County deputy. Smith then shot the armed Higginbotham, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
About the Blogger
Henry Frederick is editor and publisher of Headline Surfer, Florida's 24/7 Internet newspaper in New Smyrna Beach, launched April 7, 2008. Owned by NSB News LLC with Frederick as its sole corporate member, It is also referred by its original name, NSBNews.net and as VolusiaNews.net. Frederick is an award-winning breaking news and investigative journalist who has covered police and courts in Florida, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, dating back to the mid-1980s. He has covered many of the high profile cases in the Daytona Beach and DeLand courtrooms in Volusia County, including the numerous appellate hearings for serial killer Aileen Wuornos, and ultimately, witnessing her execution. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain in 1984, with a B.A. in political science/public admin. and a minor in writing. He received the "President's Citation" for academic honors and service to the university.
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Comments
On Gun Control
This shows gun control at it's pinnacle.
He used 2 hands and hit his target.
shooting at mediciane shop
If you point a gun at someone you should exspect to suffer the out come. He put two mens live at rick due to a drug habit. Not to be mean but the young man is at peace now, and one less druggy of the streets that can 't hurt no one anymore. Rest in peace. ken smith won t he is left with scares the poor man. praying for you brother.
Investigation
I saw the video there is nothing to investigate! Good shooting Mr Smith!
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