– Update –
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Confirms Officers’ Recovery After Fatal Shooting in Bartow
Bartow, FL – April 20, 2025 – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Deputy Sheriff Ed Alexander and Bartow Police Officer Mark Sills, who were injured in a shooting incident on Good Friday, have been released from the hospital.
Both officers are expected to recover fully after being shot in the line of duty during a confrontation with 34-year-old Wayne Volz in Bartow.
The incident began on Friday when Volz, who had a criminal history, held his parents hostage in Fort Meade, claiming to be Jesus and God. After a tense standoff, Volz allowed his father to leave for work in Bartow.
Upon arrival, the father alerted co-workers, who hid him and called 911. When Polk County deputies and Bartow Police responded, a short pursuit ensued. Volz then opened fire, injuring Officers Alexander and Sills. Officers returned fire, and Volz was killed at the scene after being shot multiple times. Sheriff Grady Judd stated, “We stopped the threat.” Northing further at this time.
– Initial Report –
BARTOW, Fla. — The Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force for the 10th Judicial Circuit is investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, in the parking lot of the Atkins Building on North Broadway in Bartow.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Bartow Police Chief Steve Walker, the incident involved two Bartow Police Department (BPD) officers, Mark Sills and Vincent Agostino, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Deputy Edwin “Ed” Alexander, a 30-year veteran hired in May 1995.
During the incident, Deputy Alexander and Officer Sills were shot and transported to local hospitals, where they are reported to be in good condition.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Wayne Volz (DOB: 07/18/90), was killed. Volz had a criminal history, including prior arrests for battery domestic violence, larceny, burglary, violation of probation, and failure to appear.
The OIDI Task Force is conducting an independent investigation, alongside an internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit.
The Polk County Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Volz’s death. All findings will be forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for review.
