OCALA, FL – A dramatic encounter unfolded on Sunday when a 23-year-old man, who had absconded from a mental health institution in Florida, was gravely wounded in a police shooting. The man, whose name has been withheld, was reportedly wielding pepper spray and a knife when the police officers intercepted him.
Earlier in the day, the man’s family had escorted him to The Vines Hospital for admission. However, he exhibited erratic behavior and escaped from the facility, according to the Ocala Police Department. He was later found by officers near the 5500 block of SW 27th Avenue, about ten minutes after his escape.
The police officers, upon approaching the man, judged him to be an immediate threat. This assessment led to the deployment of deadly force, resulting in the man being shot.
Preston Bare, a witness to the incident, relayed his account to WESH-TV. He saw two officers, one with a gun and the other with a Taser, beseeching the man to drop his weapons. The man, however, charged at the armed officer after being hit with the Taser, spraying pepper spray and waving his knife. This action provoked the officer to shoot the man.
Following the shooting, the man was rushed to a nearby hospital for surgery. He is currently listed in serious condition and is expected to undergo further medical procedures. The incident did not result in any injuries to the officers involved.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement providing assistance as per standard procedure.