US EditionFlorida man armed with garden shears survives gator attack before shot, killed by deputies
- On May 26, 2025, in south Lakeland, Florida, deputies fatally shot 42-year-old Timothy Schultz after he charged at them wielding garden shears.
- Schultz had been acting erratically, was last seen swimming in an alligator-infested lake, and had an apparent alligator bite on his right arm before confronting deputies.
- After deputies responded to several 911 calls and searched for about 40 minutes, Schultz refused commands, attempted to break into a patrol car to steal a rifle, and resisted two tasings.
- Sheriff Grady Judd said, "Even after he was tased, he still ran," and deputies fired multiple rounds after Schultz charged with garden shears and tried to access a gun.
- The deputies remain on administrative leave during the investigation, while Schultz's survival of an alligator attack and erratic behavior suggest possible methamphetamine influence.
43 Articles
43 Articles
"Pretty bizarre," said neighbors after man is killed by deputies following apparent gator attack | News Channel 3-12
By Annette Gutierrez Click here for updates on this story LAKELAND, Florida (WFTS) — Memorial Day was extra somber for some neighbors living in the Christina Hammock community when they woke up to a round of gunfire in their front yard. “It is very sad to think that someone died right in front of your house,” said an anonymous neighbor. “So, it’s been a very trying day.” In a news briefing Monday morning, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said …
Florida man killed in officer-involved shooting was bitten by alligator moments before, officials say - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
LAKELAND, Fla. (WSVN) — Bizarre behavior in Lakeland led to a deadly deputy-involved shooting after, investigators say, the subject was already injured and high on drugs after being confronted for theft. “Another witness tried to talk to him, and he said the guy growled at me, so I ran into the house and locked the door,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Deputies arrived at a gas station just when, they say, Timothy Schulz was using a brick …
Florida Man Survives Alligator, Is Killed by Deputies
A Florida man is dead after an encounter first with an alligator and then with sheriff's deputies. "This is just crazy stuff, OK?" says Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, reports CBS News . Timothy Schulz, 42, was fatally shot by deputies in Monday's chaotic scene. How it unfolded: Deputies responded to...
Florida man who survived alligator attack shot dead while stealing gun from patrol car, sheriff says
A Florida man appeared to have survived an alligator attack while swimming across a lake, then he charged deputies with a pair of shears and was shot dead, a Florida sheriff said.
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