* Update *
Deputy-involved shooting in Polk County Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025.
PCSO deputies were dispatched to a call on Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales at around 12:52 pm, Friday, April 11, 2025, in reference to a suspicious man.
The suspect entered two occupied homes without permission, and armed with a knife. Upon Deputy Lindsey Clem’s arrival at the scene, the suspect threatened her, and told her to kill him. Clem made attempts to de-escalate the situation. Deputy Clint Wofford arrived at the scene, and the suspect began threatening him as well.
As the suspect advanced on the deputies, they were put into the position of having to use deadly force to protect themselves and each other. The suspect was shot multiple times, and despite the deputies’ efforts to save him, he died from his injuries.
There are several investigations now underway by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force, Internal investigations by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit and a PCSO death investigation, and the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The suspect’s identity is being withheld at this time until next of kin can be notified. The suspect is a 43-year old white male from the Gainesville area.
– INITIAL REPORT –
*Polk County Sheriff’s Office Statement *
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is on the scene of a deputy involved shooting on Masterpiece road near Lake Wales. Deputies are safe,and the suspect is deceased.
Due to an ongoing investigation, Masterpiece Road is shut down between Longhorn and Timberlane Roads. Traffic will be rerouted through Lake Pierce Ranchettes to get from one side of Masterpiece to the other side of Masterpiece or to Timberlane Road, until further notice.
