Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said this is the third Friday in a row where “people have tried to kill my deputies.”
LAKELAND, Fla. — A 37-year-old man was shot to death by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies after allegedly charging at them with a knife Friday night.
Sheriff Grady Judd revealed that John Snyder had pending warrants related to burglary and theft prior to being shot. Judd mentioned at a press conference on Saturday morning that this marked the third consecutive Friday where “individuals have attempted to harm my deputies.”
“Three Fridays in a row where our deputies were forced to use deadly force against suspects who tried to kill them,” Judd said.
According to the sheriff, Snyder was described as a “homeless meth user” who had been eluding authorities since Tuesday. On Thursday, he reportedly met with his mother, telling her it would be their final meeting, as shared by Judd.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, a deputy encountered Snyder at a McDonald’s on North Combee Road. When attempting to apprehend him, Snyder shoved the deputy away and fled.
Judd said the deputy tased Snyder, who continued to run until he was in front of the building. Two other deputies arrived to provide help. That was when the 37-year-old pulled out a knife, Judd said.
“The deputy told him several times to drop the knife,” Judd added.
Snyder began approaching the deputies before he was shot several times. Judd said his deputies tried to save his life, but he was declared dead soon after.
“Don’t attack my deputies,” Judd said. “Don’t try to stab or shoot my deputies because if you do, we are going to shoot you a lot. That’s a guarantee.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing at this time. The sheriff’s office is expected to release more information on the shooting next week.
The full press conference can be viewed below:
