In a routine traffic stop that could have escalated into a tragic confrontation, a 66-year-old man was arrested after an altercation with Shelby County deputies late last Friday night. According to a post from City of Lakeland Law Enforcement Services - Shelby County Sheriff's Office, deputies stopped Lee Tate in the area of Canada Rd and Kingsridge Dr around 11:49 p.m. due to traffic violations. The check revealed that Tate had two active warrants for his arrest, one for vandalism and another for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
As deputies attempted to take Tate into custody, the situation took a turn. Tate became uncooperative, resisting deputies' orders to exit the vehicle. "While verbal commands were being given, deputies observed Mr. Tate brandish a black and silver pistol from his pocket and began to point it toward the Deputies," the Sheriff's Office detailed in their statement. In a swift response that possibly prevented any discharges of the weapon, deputies subdued Tate, wrestling the firearm from his grasp before safely taking him to the ground.
Tate was detained and charged with two counts of aggravated assault and resisting arrest, in addition to his outstanding warrants. While he contested the arrest, no injuries were reported during the altercation. The loaded gun, found with one round in a chamber, was confiscated as evidence. The Sheriff's Office has not released details on what led to the original warrants or the context of the traffic violations that triggered the stop.
Tate's case will proceed through the appropriate legal channels as the investigation continues.
