CHARGED

‘Stand Your Ground’ Shooter in Florida Charged With Manslaughter

After the Pinellas County sheriff declined to arrest him.

Prosecutors have charged a white man who fatally shot a black man outside a Florida convenience store with manslaughter. Michael Drejka, 47, was booked into Pinellas County jail Monday, weeks after Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri declined to arrest him, citing Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. The law states that a person can use deadly force if they “reasonably” believe it’s necessary to prevent “imminent death or great bodily harm.” State Attorney Bernie McCabe’s decision to charge Drejka shows prosecutors believe they can prove “Stand Your Ground” does not apply to the case. Drejka can been seen on surveillance video shooting Markeis McGlockton, 28, outside the Circle A convenience store after McGlockton shoves him to the ground. The incident began when Drejka confronted McGlockton’s girlfriend, Britany Jacobs, because she was parked in a handicap spot. Drejka “appeared to be irate” when he approached Jacobs, according to his arrest warrant, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times. McGlockton backed up about 12 feet before Drejka shot him, the warrant said.