MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says a man involved in a standoff with deputies has died.

MCSO says 41-year-old Steven Clark Jr. died following a standoff that ended with deputies shooting him.

Deputies say it started just after noon on Sunday when deputies responded to the 6600 block of SW 19th Avenue and Highway 475. They say the initial call was about a man firing a gun inside and outside the home.

“As deputies arrived, more shots were heard. A long standoff followed, and negotiators began working to bring about a peaceful resolution,” said MCSO in a release posted on Facebook.

They say Clark exited the home firing more rounds in the air.  At some point later, MCSO says Clark pointed his firearm towards deputies and that’s when deputies opened fire.

“He then pointed his firearm towards deputies at which time he was shot,” said MCSO.

Emergency crews took him to a local hospital but died from the shooting injuries.

“I will continue to do all I can to protect our citizens and my deputies. If you threaten a life, we will stop you,” said Sheriff Billy Woods.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been called in to investigate which is standard procedure. MCSO says all deputies involved in the shooting will be on paid, administrative leave until the investigation is complete.