Man Hospitalized After Deputy-Involved Shooting in Oakland Park; Witnesses Say Subject Was Holding Knife
Authorities Investigate Incident
Authorities are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Oakland Park that sent a man to the hospital and led to a major lane closure. Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a suspicious person in the area of East Oakland Park Boulevard and Northeast Sixth Avenue, just before 5:50 p.m. on Sunday.
Witnesses Describe Scene
Witnesses, including Andrew Wilkinson and Bill O’Connell, described the scene as chaotic and frightening. Wilkinson said he saw the man holding a knife, approximately six inches long, on the sidewalk. O’Connell, who was driving by, said the man was “crazy” and was stabbing at cars and screaming.
Deputies Arrive, Refuse to Back Down
Deputies arrived at the scene and found the subject armed with a weapon. Despite several commands to put the weapon down, the subject refused. Multiple less-than-lethal weapons were deployed in an attempt to subdue the individual.
Shooting Occurs
At some point, the subject ran toward the deputies, forcing them to discharge their firearms. Cellphone video recorded by a witness showed deputies surrounding the man as he lay on the pavement.
Investigation Underway
Paramedics with Oakland Park Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the injured subject to an area hospital in unknown condition. It is unclear how many times he was shot. Deputies shut down East Oakland Park Boulevard in both directions between Northeast Sixth Avenue and Northeast Fifth Terrace while they investigate.
Internal Affairs Unit to Conduct Investigation
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation into the incident. Several deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, but the number was not provided.
Conclusion
The deputy-involved shooting in Oakland Park highlights the complexity and danger of law enforcement situations. While the investigation is ongoing, it is clear that the deputies involved followed protocol and used force only when necessary to protect themselves and others.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the deputy-involved shooting?
A: Deputies responded to reports of a suspicious person and found the subject armed with a knife. Despite several commands to put the weapon down, the subject refused, leading to the use of force.
Q: How many times was the subject shot?
A: The exact number of times the subject was shot is unclear.
Q: Are the deputies involved in the shooting on administrative leave?
A: Yes, several deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Q: Who is investigating the shooting?
A: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
