Fatal Encounter in Polk County: What Led to the Shooting of Timothy Schulz?
- JB Quinnon
- May 26
- 2 min read
Fatal Encounter in Polk County: What Led to the Shooting of Timothy Schulz?
On the morning of May 26, 2025, a disturbing and tragic chain of events unfolded in Lakeland, Florida, culminating in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Timothy Schulz by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies.
The incident began at approximately 5:56 a.m. when deputies responded to reports of a man behaving erratically at a RaceTrac gas station. By the time authorities arrived, Schulz had already left the scene. Two hours later, a separate call reported a man—later identified as Schulz—swimming in a lake known for its alligator population. Witnesses claimed he refused help and appeared to have suffered a bite to the arm.
Emerging from the lake, Schulz’s behavior became increasingly erratic and dangerous. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, he armed himself with garden shears and attempted to break into a vehicle using a brick. Deputies arrived shortly after and attempted to de-escalate the situation using non-lethal force. They deployed a taser twice, but Schulz continued to resist.
What followed raised the stakes. Schulz reportedly entered the passenger side of a patrol vehicle and tried to gain access to a deputy’s firearm. This action prompted deputies to fire their weapons. Schulz was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no deputies were injured in the confrontation.
Sheriff Grady Judd held a press conference following the incident and provided context about Schulz’s past. He revealed that Schulz had a criminal history involving methamphetamine and had only been released from jail six days prior to the shooting.
As is standard protocol in such cases, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation.
The incident raises several questions about mental health crises, substance abuse recovery, and law enforcement’s role in handling unpredictable, high-risk situations. Sheriff Judd has promised transparency as the investigation proceeds.
For those following this story, it’s a reminder of the complex realities that deputies face—and the importance of continued public oversight and mental health interventions for individuals re-entering society after incarceration.
Source:FOX 13 News – Full Report
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