Photo: Juanmonino / iStock / Getty Images
A Florida man, Timothy Schulz, was fatally shot by deputies after surviving a swim through an alligator-infested lake on Monday (May 26). The incident occurred in Polk County and has been linked to alleged drug use. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Schulz, 42, was first reported to authorities around 5:56 a.m. when a 911 caller described him as acting "bizarre" and "shaking" at a local racetrack. However, officers were unable to locate him at the time.
A second call came in around 7:43 a.m., reporting Schulz in a lake with numerous alligators. Witnesses expressed concern that he was "drunk or high." Schulz reportedly refused a life preserver offered by a bystander and growled at another person who fled the scene. When deputies arrived, Schulz had exited the lake with an apparent arm injury and was carrying garden shears. He attempted to break into a car by throwing a brick at the window, prompting deputies to use non-lethal measures to arrest him.
Despite being hit with a taser, Schulz continued to approach the officers and attempted to reach into a police car, seemingly to seize a firearm. At this point, deputies opened fire, resulting in Schulz's death. Sheriff Judd stated that Schulz was "shot multiple times" to stop the threat. The shooting is currently under investigation, and the officers involved are on administrative leave.
Schulz had a history of criminal activity in the area, including a recent arrest for methamphetamine possession. Sheriff Judd emphasized the dangers of drug use, noting that Schulz's behavior was likely influenced by meth. The sheriff defended the deputies' actions, stating they responded appropriately to the threat posed by Schulz.