A late-night pickup crash in Fruitland Park turned deadly early Wednesday when police shot and killed a man they say was carrying a hatchet and reached for a gun during a confrontation on Mirror Lake Drive. Officers said they rendered medical aid at the scene, but the man later died, according to local authorities.
Fruitland Park officers told ClickOrlando they were called to a pickup truck crash around 2:30 a.m. and found a man walking away from the wreck holding a hatchet. Police say they ordered him to stop and drop the weapon. The man reportedly responded that he "just wanted to go home" before reaching toward a gun, at which point officers opened fire. No officers were injured, and neighboring agencies assisted at the scene, according to the department.
FDLE To Lead Independent Probe
Fruitland Park police said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. FDLE typically takes on officer-involved shooting cases at the request of local agencies and generally does not comment while those investigations are active. For an overview of that role, see the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
What Officials Have Released
Fruitland Park Police said the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Lady Lake Police Department assisted at the scene and that the city is cooperating with the FDLE and the State Attorney's Office. Officials have not released the man's name or any additional background information. As reported by ClickOrlando, investigators are still working to piece together the exact sequence of events.
What Comes Next
FDLE investigators typically review body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence before completing an officer-involved shooting report that prosecutors can use to decide whether to file charges, according to the agency's guidance. Investigators have not released a timetable for findings in this case. For city contact details and tips, see Fruitland Park.
