US EditionFlorida man armed with garden shears survives gator attack before shot, killed by deputies
- On May 26, 2025, Polk County deputies shot and killed 42-year-old Timothy Schultz in south Lakeland after he approached them armed with garden shears.
- The encounter followed several 911 calls reporting Schultz acting erratically, including being seen swimming in a lake known to be alligator-infested before emerging with a bite on his right arm.
- After deputies found Schultz attempting to break into a patrol car and retrieve a rifle, they tasered him twice but he charged them with the shears, prompting deputies to shoot multiple times.
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described Schultz's conduct as shocking and bizarre, noting his refusal to comply even after being bitten by an alligator and tased, and suggested possible methamphetamine influence.
- The two deputies remain on standard administrative leave pending investigation, while the shooting highlights challenges officers face with armed, erratic individuals who do not comply with commands.
52 Articles
52 Articles
'Pretty bizarre,' say neighbors after man is killed by deputies following apparent gator attack
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 deputies shot and killed Timothy Schultz, 42, after a gator at…
Florida sheriff: Man who survived alligator attack gunned down by deputies after entering patrol car
LAKELAND, FLORIDA — A career criminal somehow survived an alligator attack, then died in a hail of bullets by deputies shortly after he charged them with garden shears, according to multiple reports.
"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 …
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