– UPDATE 11:15 AM –
Polk County Deputy-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Dead on Memorial Day
Polk County, FL — A deputy-involved shooting on Memorial Day morning, May 26, 2025, resulted in the death of 40-year-old Timothy Schultz, a man with a history of criminal activity, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 5:56 AM, the Racetrack gas station on Highway 37 reported a man acting “bizarre” inside the store. Deputies arrived within three minutes but were unable to locate Schultz after a 40-minute search. At 7:43 AM, additional 911 calls reported a man in an alligator-infested lake. A witness attempted to assist by offering a life vest, but Schultz reportedly growled at him, prompting the witness to flee and secure his home.
Deputies later spotted Schultz walking between houses, armed with garden shears and throwing a brick into a vehicle. A witness reported that Schultz charged at deputies with the shears, stating, “They waited too long to shoot.” Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, deploying tasers on two separate occasions, but Schultz continued to advance.
According to Sheriff Grady Judd, deputies made every effort to take Schultz into custody peacefully. During the confrontation, Schultz climbed into the passenger side of a running patrol vehicle, where he reached for a deputy’s rifle and shotgun. Deputies responded by firing multiple shots, resulting in Schultz’s death.
Sheriff Judd revealed that Schultz had a significant criminal history, including prior arrests for methamphetamine possession, and had been released from jail on May 20. Additionally, evidence suggests Schultz was attacked by an alligator while in the lake, sustaining a bite to his right arm.
The shooting is under investigation, with findings to be submitted to the State Attorney’s Office. Nothing further at this time.
– Initial Report 7AM –
Lakeland, FL – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is set to brief the media at 11:15 AM today, Monday, May 26, 2025, near the scene of a deputy-involved shooting on West Lake Clark Court in Lakeland.
Authorities have confirmed that no deputies were injured during the encounter. Stand by for update.
