POLK COUNTY, Fla. – New details have emerged following Friday night’s officer-involved shooting in Frostproof, with authorities identifying the two brothers involved and announcing felony murder charges against the initial warrant suspect.
The preliminary information released earlier by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) remains unchanged. Original Report: Polk County Sheriff Judd: “He Chose For Us To Shoot Him” After Deputy Attacked With 2×4 In Frostproof
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has additionally charged Primitivo Garcia, 43, of West Frostproof Baptist Church Road, with 2nd degree felony murder, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence, escape, and petit theft.
These charges stem from his role in the death of his brother, Francisco Garcia-Vega, 53, who resided at the same address.
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Deputies were initially dispatched to arrest Primitivo Garcia on a warrant for failure to pay child support. According to Sheriff Grady Judd, as deputies attempted to take Primitivo into custody, he actively resisted.
It was at this point that his brother, Francisco Garcia-Vega, approached and violently struck Deputy Draven Martin in the head with a 3.5-foot-long 2×4 piece of lumber.
Deputy Martin sustained a 3.5-inch gaping wound to the back of his head, requiring 11 staples to close. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, treated, and released early this morning after a medical evaluation.
Deputy Martin has served with the PCSO for 3.5 years, while Sergeant Dicson Collazo, the other deputy involved, has been with the agency for 12 years.
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Sheriff Judd stated that Francisco Garcia-Vega was “feloniously attacked our deputies with a deadly weapon, significantly injuring one, forcing them to shoot him.” Francisco was reportedly preparing to strike the deputies again when he was shot. He succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Following the attack on Deputy Martin, Primitivo Garcia escaped from the deputies. He was subsequently apprehended after a foot pursuit, during which deputies deployed their Tasers to take him back into custody.
Extensive Criminal Histories and Environmental Charges Revealed
Authorities have revealed that both brothers have extensive criminal records. Primitivo Garcia’s criminal history dates back to 1999 and includes 5 felonies and 25 misdemeanors, such as multiple battery charges, resisting arrest, drug possession, and disorderly conduct. He is a convicted felon and a U.S. citizen born in Florida.
Francisco Garcia-Vega’s criminal history dates to 2004 and includes 4 felonies and 10 misdemeanors, including aggravated battery, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, DUI, and failure to appear. Francisco was a Mexican national and a legal resident with a work visa.
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