POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office shot a suspect who allegedly lunged at him with a knife early Saturday morning in front of a McDonald’s on Highway 92 East in Lakeland. This marks the third consecutive Friday evening where a Polk County deputy has been involved in a use-of-force incident.
Sheriff’s officials briefed the media on Saturday morning, identifying the suspect as 37-year-old John Snyder, described as homeless and a methamphetamine user with a lengthy criminal history and outstanding felony warrants for burglary and theft.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies had been attempting to apprehend Snyder on these warrants.
The incident leading to the shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 PM on Friday. Polk County Sheriiff Office Deputy Sheriff Goodman, a four-and-a-half-year veteran of the force, attempted to take Snyder into custody in front of the McDonald’s. Authorities stated that Snyder immediately resisted, pushing the deputy and attempting to flee.
Deputy Goodman deployed a taser in an attempt to subdue Snyder, who continued to flee eastward along the sidewalk. As additional deputies arrived to assist, Snyder allegedly turned, produced a knife, and advanced on Deputy Goodman, stating he had a weapon.
Deputies repeatedly ordered Snyder to drop the knife. When he continued to advance, Deputy Goodman discharged his firearm, striking Snyder multiple times.
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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized that the decision to shoot was not the deputy’s choice but was forced upon him by Snyder’s actions. Deputies immediately rendered aid, but Snyder succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
“Don’t attack my deputies. Don’t try to stab or shoot my deputies. Because if you do, we’re going to shoot you a lot,” said Sheriff Judd. “That’s a guarantee. You asked for it. You make that choice. We’re going to defend ourselves. My deputies are going to go home safe, and if you force them with a felonious attack on them, be ready to be shot.”
The Officer Involved Task Force for the 10th Judicial Circuit is currently investigating the incident, which involves multiple law enforcement agencies. Upon completion of their investigation, the findings will be submitted to State Attorney Brian Haas for review.
No further information is expected to be released by the Sheriff’s Office this weekend, pending the ongoing investigation.
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