LAKELAND, Fla. – Two deputies are recovering in the hospital after being shot by a lone gunman in Polk County early Saturday morning. The incident unfolded at Hunt Fountain Park around 12:22 a.m. when a deputy spotted a parked car after the park had closed.
The female deputy approached the vehicle and attempted to engage with the driver. Despite her efforts, the driver refused to cooperate and comply with her commands. Upon requesting the suspect to exit the vehicle, he continued to resist.
Subsequently, Deputies Chad Anderson and Craig Smith arrived at the scene to offer support. Sheriff Grady Judd mentioned that a total of four deputies and two trainees were present during the encounter with the suspect.
Despite repeated attempts to remove the suspect from the vehicle, the situation escalated when the suspect began shooting at the deputies. Lieutenant Chad Anderson sustained a gunshot wound to the arm that went through to his chest, while Deputy Craig Smith suffered four gunshot wounds.
In response to the gunfire from the suspect, backup deputies retaliated and ultimately fatally shot the suspect. Both injured deputies were rushed to the hospital, with Smith and Anderson receiving intensive care.
The identity of the shooter has not been disclosed at this time, pending notification of next-of-kin. Sheriff Judd noted that the suspect, believed to have been living out of his car and not from Polk County, could have avoided the tragic outcome by complying with law enforcement’s instructions.
Sheriff Judd emphasized that cooperation could have prevented the violent confrontation. He expressed regret that the suspect’s actions led to his demise, highlighting the importance of compliance in such situations.