POLK COUNTY, Fla – Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies and Auburndale Police officers fatally shot a man after he allegedly crashed a stolen car and threatened them with a knife Thursday night.
According to investigators, around 11:10 p.m., the Auburndale Police Department (APD) was notified that a 2011 Kia Sorrento was stolen from a Circle K on Berkely Road and U.S. 92.
Around 11:18, a crash was reported on the on-ramp to eastbound Polk Parkway from U.S. 92 west.
An APD sergeant arrived at the site of the crash minutes later to find that one of the vehicles was involved with the stolen Kia.
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Investigators say the suspect charged and punched the APD sergeant, causing the sergeant to use his taser, but the man pulled a taser probe out and continued to resist.
A PCSO deputy and four more officers, including a K-9, arrived on the scene, and the man allegedly began threatening them with a knife.
The K-9 engaged the suspect, but he fought off the dog and aggressively approached the officers again with the knife.
According to officials, the man aggressively approached officers again. PCSO said four of the five officers and the one deputy were “forced to fire” their guns.
They attempted to save the man’s life, but he died at the scene.
The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force will conduct an investigation. Auburndale PD will investigate the vehicle theft.
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