LAKELAND, FL – A violent confrontation at a public park in Central Florida left two sheriff’s deputies seriously injured and the suspect dead. The incident occurred in Polk County where the deputies were attempting to remove a non-compliant man from his vehicle.
The deputies, hailed as heroes by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, were responding to a call for backup after a colleague encountered difficulties with the man. The suspect’s vehicle was spotted in the county park after closing hours, prompting the initial interaction.
According to Sheriff Judd, the suspect initiated the gunfire, prompting the deputies to return fire. “He instigated a gunfight, and we obliged. He won’t be partaking in another one, as he’s no longer alive,” said Judd.
The wounded deputies, Lt. Chad Anderson and Deputy Craig Smith, were rushed to the hospital. Anderson is in critical but stable condition after a bullet penetrated his arm and chest. Smith, shot four times in the right arm, is in stable condition in the intensive care unit.
The incident unfolded as four deputies and two trainees attempted to coax the man out of his vehicle. Anderson and Smith were at the car door attempting to extract the man when he drew his weapon and began shooting. The suspect’s identity has not been released.
Brian Haas, the state attorney for the judicial circuit encompassing Polk County, confirmed that his office is conducting an investigation into the incident. “Our focus is on thoroughness, even if it means the process takes a bit longer,” Haas stated to reporters.