Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Unit

Oldsmar Fire Rescue

Donald C. Degraw (Deceased)
DOB: 06/25/1958
Address: 1739 Split Fork Drive, Oldsmar

Julie Degraw
DOB: 07/04/1960
Address: 1739 Split Fork Drive, Oldsmar

What:
Detectives are investigating the death of a man after deputies took him into protective custody.

When:
Deputies were originally called to the residence at about 5:15 a.m. on September 7, 2016.

Deputies were called back to the residence at about 3:45 p.m. on September 7, 2016.

Where:
The incident occurred at a residence located at 1739 Split Fork Drive in Oldsmar.

Why/How:
According to detectives, Oldsmar Fire Rescue paramedics and deputies were called to a residence located at 1739 Split Fork Drive in Oldsmar, in response to a man acting erratically at about 5:15 a.m. on September 7, 2016.

Detectives say that the resident, 56-year-old Julie Degraw reported that her husband, 58-year-old Donald Degraw, was in bed screaming and grunting for no apparent reason. Paramedics and deputies spoke with Donald and he claimed he was having a bad dream. Donald admitted he was currently taking medication for Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and he refused medical attention. Donald did not meet Baker Act criteria so paramedics and deputies left the residence.

At about 3:45 p.m. on September 7, 2016, Oldsmar Fire Rescue paramedics and deputies were summoned back to the Degraw residence. Julie Degraw reported that Donald was acting erratically again.

When deputies arrived, Donald was screaming in emotional distress. Deputies determined that Donald’s erratic behavior met the Baker Act criteria and they attempted to take him into protective custody.

Detectives say that Donald actively resisted the deputies’ attempts to take him into custody. Knowing that Donald had access to a loaded firearm within his immediate reach, deputies’ utilized non-lethal force (electronic control weapon) to secure Donald in handcuffs.  During the course of placing Donald in custody, Donald became unresponsive.

Oldsmar Fire Rescue paramedics treated Donald on scene and transported him to Tampa Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

No further information will be available until the results of the autopsy are received.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.