*Updated to add details about what posed a threat to officers and the man’s condition.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 5/20/2024: Since our original reporting, we have learned why Ocala police officers felt the man in Sunday’s officer-involved shooting incident posed a threat.
OPD says the man was armed with pepper spray and a knife when contact was made by the officers.
We also know his condition has improved from critical to serious. “The subject is out of surgery and has additional pending medical procedures,” said a police spokesman via email.
ORIGINAL, 5/19/2024: The Ocala Police Department (OPD) says officers shot a man Sunday afternoon.
OPD says officers shot a 23-year-old man who was acting erratic and a threat to officers. At last check, the man was in critical condition.
What police say happened
Police say around 12:21 p.m. on Sunday they received a call for service about a man who was being taken to The Vines Hospital, by family members.
According to its website, The Vines is a mental health and addiction treatment center.
Officers say prior to being admitted and before officers arrived, the man took off and was acting erratic.
Officers began searching for the individual. Around 12:38 p.m., officers say they located him near the 5500 block of SW 27th Ave.
“When contact was made, the subject was an immediate threat and officers used deadly force and shot the subject,” said OPD in a news release. “The man was struck by gunfire and taken to HCA hospital for treatment.”
OPD says no officers were hurt during the incident.
With an officer-involved shooting, it’s standard protocol for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct an investigation.