On Monday, May 26th, a 42-year-old man named Timothy Schulz was at the center of a dramatic and tragic incident in Lakeland, Florida. Having survived an alligator attack while swimming in a reptile-infested lake, Schulz was later shot by Polk County sheriff's deputies after trying to disarm them and access weapons inside a patrol car.
Sheriff Grady Judd reported that the sequence of events began around 5:56 a.m. when gas station employees alerted authorities about a man acting erratically and trembling, requesting to call his son. Although officers responded, they were unable to locate him at that time.
By 7:43 a.m., authorities received a second report about a man swimming in a lake known for its alligator population. Witnesses saw Schulz bitten on his right arm by one of the creatures, yet he astonishingly managed to swim across the entire lake.
"It's shocking that he was bitten and still continued his charge towards the officers," Judd told reporters, according to Telemundo.
Schulz refused a lifebuoy offered to him and, upon exiting the water, began displaying erratic behavior, including growling at bystanders and attempting to smash a vehicle window with a brick. When officers arrived, they found Schulz armed with pruning shears and trying to get into a truck.
Despite officers' attempts to subdue him with a taser, Schulz charged at them, managing to climb into the patrol car and attempting to seize a rifle or shotgun from the vehicle's mount. In response, deputies fired multiple shots, resulting in Schulz's death at the scene.
Sheriff Judd noted that Schulz had an extensive criminal record linked to methamphetamine use and had been released from jail just six days before the incident. Authorities suspect his bizarre behavior was influenced by drug use.
The case is currently under investigation by a multi-agency task force. The two deputies involved, one of whom was still in training, have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
FAQs on Florida Alligator Attack and Police Incident
What led to the shooting of Timothy Schulz by the police?
Timothy Schulz was shot by police after he tried to disarm officers and attempted to access weapons inside a patrol car following an alligator attack.
What was Timothy Schulz's behavior before the police arrived?
Before police arrival, Schulz exhibited erratic behavior, growling at people and attempting to break a vehicle window with a brick, after refusing help following an alligator bite.
How are the police handling the investigation?
The investigation is being conducted by a multi-agency task force, and the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave while the inquiry is ongoing.