Florida man shot by deputies after alligator attack, charging officers with garden shears
Share this @internewscast.com

Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd reported that deputies shot and killed a man who charged them with garden shears and attempted to seize a gun from their patrol vehicle, following an incident where he was attacked by an alligator while swimming across a lake.

Judd told reporters on Monday that 42-year-old Timothy Shultz was shot and killed after threatening to harm his deputies earlier in the day.

Deputies were dispatched around 6 a.m. on Monday in response to reports of a man at a Racetrack displaying “bizarre” behavior, “shaking,” and asking to contact his son.

Upon arrival, deputies searched for the man for approximately 40 minutes without success. Just before 7:45 a.m., a caller reported seeing a white male in a nearby lake known to have alligators, with one alligator close to him. The caller informed the operator that the man “must be drunk or high or something,” according to Judd.

polk-county-vehicle-shears

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office shot and killed an armed suspect who was attacked by an alligator before he attacked deputies with garden shears. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

“I’ve said this over and over, and I’ll continue to say it: There are still people that want to make the community, or the nation, believe that drugs are low level and nonviolent,” he said. “Well, here’s your sign.”

Judd said Shultz was swimming across the lake and got really close to an alligator, appearing to be bitten by an alligator in his right arm.

“You know, that’s gotta be true. You can’t make it up, and, as a result, this is one more example of how violent people are when they use meth and use drugs,” Judd said. “When you can swim across the lake, sustain apparent alligator bites, grab shears, try to break into a vehicle, attack law enforcement officers, jump into their car, try to get their rifle and shotgun…you’re out of your mind on drugs. And it’s not his first time. He’s dead.”

“Quite frankly, his conduct was outrageous…it was bizarre,” the sheriff added. “Our deputies, by the way, are going home safe tonight.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago White Sox unveil statue of ace pitcher Mark Buehrle at Rate Field for 2005 World Series championship reunion weekend

Mark Buehrle Statue Unveiled at Rate Field During Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series Reunion Weekend

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue of former ace…
Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson triggered by 'state of our democracy'

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Expresses Concern About the ‘State of Our Democracy’

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for sparking debate, is facing…
2026 midterm elections: What the next election cycle means for Illinois Democratic Party as several Congressional seats open up

Upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections: Impact on Illinois Democratic Party with Multiple Congressional Seats Opening

The political environment in Illinois is poised for a notable transformation with…
'Freakier Friday': Behind-the-scenes look at Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on set of the new Disney sequel

‘Freaky Friday’ Sequel: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on the Disney Set

Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of “Freakier Friday,” the sequel to the…
‘Ruthless’ Actor Derek Dixon Speaks Out on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Couldn’t Stay Silent Anymore”

Actor Derek Dixon Breaks Silence on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Had to Speak Up”

Derek Dixon, most recognized for portraying Dale in Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless…
Boeing settles with Paul Njoroge, man whose wife, 3 children died in 737 Max crash in Ethiopia in 2019, averting trial in Chicago

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Paul Njoroge, Man Who Lost Family in 2019 Ethiopian 737 Max Crash, Avoids Chicago Trial

Boeing has reached a settlement with a Canadian man named Paul Njoroge,…
Woman giving a speech at a podium.

Emotional Scene as Teenage Girl Delivers Tearful Eulogy for Murdered Mother and Stepfather, Leading to Her Being a Prime Suspect

This is the poignant moment when a teenager delivered an emotional funeral…
Damage to the Delaware Memorial Bridge after a tractor-trailer crash.

Latest on the Delaware Memorial Bridge Incident: Tractor-Trailer Crosses 3 Lanes, Breaks Barrier, and Plunges into Water

A MASSIVE rescue operation is underway after a tractor trailer cab crashed…
Pennsylvania officials report intermittent failures in statewide 911 service

Pennsylvania Authorities Announce Sporadic Issues with Statewide 911 Service

Pennsylvania officials reported statewide issues Friday with the state’s 911 system.  “Pennsylvania…
El Chapo's son pleads guilty to US drug trafficking

El Chapo’s Son Admits Guilt in US Drug Trafficking Case

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee…
Israel Gaza Concentration Camp: Haaretz Calls Out Rafah Camp

Haaretz Criticizes Rafah Camp in Gaza, Referring to It as a “Concentration Camp”

Israel’s defense minister is promoting a plan to herd Gaza’s entire population…
Portrait of Maria Gasparovic, former chief of staff.

Female Champagne Executive Criticized for Alleged Flirting with Bosses: Told She Needs ‘Anti-Seduction Training’

A FEMALE exec at a luxury champagne firm was allegedly told she…