Pasco County Sheriff's deputies avoided injury Thursday morning when they exchanged gunshots with - and killed - an arson suspect.



According to authorities, 43-year-old Patrick Gerome Tillery was shot and killed just after 1 a.m. at his home on Yucca Drive in New Port Richey. Deputies went to the home as part of their investigation into an arson at Rock Bottom Auto Sales in Hudson.



Officials said Tillery had tried to set the auto business and cars in the lot on fire and made threats against the owner, Marios Vavoulis.

"Basically the guy came and lit this thing on fire," said Vavoulis. "Put some gasoline on it, destroyed the vehicle."

Vavoulis said even before he saw the surveillance video, he had a hunch a disgruntled customer was behind both fires.

"I got a phone call saying my car lot was on fire," said Vavoulis. "When the second one goes on fire, you obviously know it was no accident."



When deputies arrived at Tillery's home, his wife told authorities he was not home.



While searching the home, an armed Tillery emerged in a hallway and fired at deputies, authorities said.



Gunfire was returned by at least three deputies and Tillery was killed. No deputies were injured.



Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco called the incident an ambush.



"He tells his wife the Pasco County Sheriff's Office is coming for him," Sheriff Nocco said. "Tillery has the gun positioned to shoot our deputies in the (fatal frontal). He fires at least two to three rounds at our deputies - thank God he did not hit our deputies."



Authorities said in addition to Tillery's wife, two children were in the home when the gunfire was exchanged.



"Our biggest concern was the kids," said neighbor Linda Hornbeck. "Because we know of the two little ones, and we're just hoping nothing happened to the kids."

Deputies said the kids made it out safely.



Vavoulis said he is grateful none of his employees were working at the time the fires were started.

"You just never know," he said. "I would never guess that this guy, before I sold him a car, that would just one day lose it."



The children are now in the custody of child protective services and Tillery's wife was questioned by detectives. It is not clear if she will face any charges.



The shooting remains under investigation.

