Photo: Jacek27 / iStock / Getty Images
Polk County, FL - A Florida man who allegedly believed he was "Jesus and God" was fatally shot after assaulting his parents and opening fire on police, injuring two officers in a violent Polk County standoff.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officers were injured during a gunfire exchange Friday morning after an armed suspect allegedly assaulted his parents and led police on a violent confrontation.
Authorities say the incident began in Fort Meade when the man reportedly became violent during an argument with his parents.
He allegedly pistol-whipped his mother, knocked his father to the ground, and made threatening statements, including telling his father to beg for his life.
Investigators say he claimed to be “Jesus and God” and referred to his mother as “the devil,” taking their phones to prevent them from calling for help.
Later, the man accompanied his father to a local hardware store, where the father discreetly alerted employees, who helped hide him while police were contacted.
Officers from Bartow Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded, deploying a drone to help locate the suspect.
Authorities say the man fled when confronted and opened fire, striking a deputy’s patrol vehicle multiple times and injuring the officer in the forearm.
Witnesses nearby reported hearing 10 to 20 shots.
Another officer was shot in the chest but was protected by a bulletproof vest.
Law enforcement returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
He was transported to a hospital where he later died.
Officials said he had a history of drug use and previous criminal behavior.
Both officers are expected to recover fully. The case will be reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.