Man Killed by Deputies After Alleged Gator Attack and Assault with Garden Shears

Incident Overview

• 🚨 A man, identified as Timothy Schultz, 42, was fatally shot by Polk County Sheriff's deputies on Memorial Day.
• 📍 The incident occurred in Lakeland, Florida, following a series of events that began with an apparent alligator attack.

Sequence of Events

• 🐊 Schultz was reportedly attacked by an alligator in a lake known to be infested with large gators.
• 📞 Deputies initially responded to a call about a man asking to contact his son but did not find him.
• 🏊‍♂️ A second call reported Schultz swimming with alligators and suffering a gator bite.

Escalation and Confrontation

• 🔪 Witnesses reported Schultz growling at a neighbor and refusing help after the gator attack.
• 💥 He then allegedly charged at deputies with garden shears and attempted to break into a truck with a brick.
• ⚡ Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation using tasers twice, but they were ineffective.
• 🚗 Schultz then climbed into a patrol car, attempting to steal a rifle or shotgun, leading to the deputies firing shots.

Sheriff's Statement and Investigation

• 🗣️ Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described Schultz's conduct as "outrageous" and "bizarre."
• ⚖️ Sheriff Judd stated Schultz had a significant criminal history, including offenses related to methamphetamine.
• 🔍 The incident is currently under ongoing investigation.

Community Impact

• 😨 Neighbors expressed shock and fear, describing the scene as traumatic and unsettling.
• 🏡 Some residents felt unsafe, particularly those whose property Schultz ran through during the events.