*******A word of caution, the images, and information in the video may be disturbing.  Anytime a police officer uses force to arrest a suspect or defend against an attack, it can be graphic and difficult to watch.  Strong language is used by those shown in the video, and viewer discretion is advised.*******

Video of Wednesday's news conference can be viewed at https://youtu.be/vyoIUj-UtrM

Video of the body-worn camera video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/xfHFhg5q_SU

Robert Briandi, 71, of Sarasota, is facing charges of Robbery with a Weapon, Aggravated Assault with a Weapon without Intent to Kill, and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in connection to an armed robbery that happened on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.  Briandi has past criminal charges including Burglary (1975), Larceny (1973), Driving Under the Influence (1978) and Obstruction of Justice (2003).

Sarasota Police officers responded to a call of an armed Robbery at Publix, 501 North Beneva Road, Sarasota, just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday.  The victim, an 83-year-old-woman, told officers that a man approached her from behind and attempted to snatch her purse from her shoulder as she was getting into her vehicle.

As the victim struggled to maintain possession of her purse, she said Briandi threatened to cut or scratch her with an object he was holding.  The victim saw a metal object in Briandi’s hand, which she thought was a key.  The victim had minor scratches on her arms from the struggle.

Several bystanders witnessed the attack and heard the victim yelling for help.  One of the witnesses yelled at Briandi and as he approached Briandi, Briandi let go of the purse and walked away in a hurry.  The witness continued to follow Briandi while using his cell phone to record the interaction.  The witness said he saw a knife in Briandi’s hand.

The witness said Briandi threatened him with a knife several times during their encounter.  The witness said later he feared Briandi would stab him, so he looked for something to defend himself.  The witness did not want Briandi to get away so he followed him across Fruitville Road to the Homewood Suites until he saw Sarasota Police officers.

Briandi was shot by a Sarasota Police officer when Briandi advanced aggressively toward the officer with a knife in hand.  Briandi was taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is in stable condition following surgery. 

The uninjured officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.  The FDLE is the lead law enforcement agency investigating the officer-involved shooting, and the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is the lead law enforcement agency investigating the armed robbery. 

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Robert Briandi, 71, of Sarasota
(Older Booking Photo)