** UPDATE 6:00 P.M **
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Reports Officer-Involved Shooting in Poinciana
Poinciana, FL – According to Sheriff Grady Judd, on June 30, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a mental health professional reporting that Wilfredo Ramon Morales, 57, was threatening to kill himself and his wife at a residence near St. Cloud Road and Caspian Road, Lake Marion, Poinciana.
Upon arrival, Deputy Laws observed Morales’ wife outside the home. Morales emerged from the garage and fired multiple shots at both Deputy Laws and his wife before retreating back into the garage. Deputy Laws secured the safety of Morales’ wife and himself, then called for backup. Florida Highway Patrol and Haines City Police arrived on scene and helped established a perimeter.
Authorities played a recorded message from Morales’ daughter to de-escalate the situation, but it was unsuccessful. The Polk County Crisis Negotiation Team attempted communication with Morales, which also failed.
Polk County SWAT deployed chemical agents into the home. Morales later appeared in the garage, holding a gun to his chest and gesturing for SWAT to shoot him. Additional chemical agents and bean bag rounds were used to compel Morales to exit, but he remained in the garage. When Morales pointed his firearm at the SWAT team, officers opened fire, striking him.
SWAT medics provided immediate aid, and Morales was airlifted to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition and is undergoing surgery.
All involved officers are on administrative leave per standard protocol. The State Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident. No further details are available at this time.
** UPDATE 4:00PM **
June 30, 2025 – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss a deputy-involved shooting that occurred earlier today.
According to authorities, no deputies were injured during the incident. The suspect sustained injuries and is currently in custody. Further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting are expected to be released during the briefing.
* 1:50 PM *
Poinciana, FL — Authorities are responding to a tense situation near Lake Marion in Poinciana, Florida, where a significant police presence, including a SWAT team, is currently on the scene.
The incident began as a report of a suicide attempt, but the situation has escalated, with the subject now armed and barricaded. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Avoid the area.
*This is a developing story.*
