POLK COUNTY, Fla – – A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a man who was violently attacking his wife with a hammer on Saturday morning.
Deputies responded to a domestic violence call in Eagle Lake around 6:50 AM. The 911 operator could hear the suspect, Charles Franklin Edwards Jr., beating his 61-year-old wife and the victim pleading for help.
Deputy Christopher Johnston arrived on the scene and found Edwards attacking the victim with a hammer. After ordering Edwards to drop the weapon, Deputy Johnston deployed his taser, which Edwards removed.
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Edwards then charged at Deputy Johnston with the hammer raised. Deputy Johnston fired his weapon, striking Edwards.
Both Edwards and his wife were transported to the hospital. Edwards was pronounced dead at the hospital. His wife is expected to survive but is being treated for significant injuries.
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“Domestic violence calls are one of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers respond to. This is a sobering reminder of how dangerous domestic violence calls can end. This violent, enraged suspect was intent on killing his wife and was prevented from doing so by our deputy. We are praying for the victim to recover from her significant injuries,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is investigating the shooting, along with an internal investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
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