Accident – death – Obituary News :

A Florida Deputy Stops Attempt to Burn “Possessed” Boy Alive

By Mark Price

The Sacramento Bee

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — A horrifying incident involving the attempted burning of a 9-year-old boy was halted by a courageous Florida deputy, resulting in the death of one of the adults responsible, according to investigators.

The man who was fatally shot has been identified as Richard Myron Ham, 39. Eyewitnesses claimed that he was the individual who placed the young boy into the flames, as reported by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident took place on December 19, around 4 p.m., in Sebring, a city located approximately 95 miles southeast of Tampa. Thankfully, the boy managed to escape serious burns by refusing to remain in the fire.

Authorities were alerted to the situation when the fire department received several calls about individuals burning debris on the side of Bay Blossom Drive. It was the fire department who initially confronted Ham, leading to the intervention of the deputies from the sheriff’s office.

Upon arriving at the scene, the deputies encountered Ham armed with two metal rods. Despite repeated orders to comply, Ham refused and a taser was deployed. However, the taser appeared to have no effect on him.

Ignoring the taser probes that were embedded in his body, Ham re-armed himself with one of the bars and proceeded to strike a deputy in the head with it. In response, one of the deputies fired his agency-issued firearm, resulting in Ham’s death.

Both Ham and the injured deputy were transported to hospitals for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Ham was pronounced dead, while the deputy was treated and subsequently released.

Based on the investigation, it was revealed that Ham, along with the boy’s mother, Lakenya Lavonn Phillips, were in the process of burning the boy’s possessions when the fire department arrived on the scene. Witnesses reported that Ham believed the child was possessed by a demon.

At one point during the incident, Ham allegedly placed the child into the fire and covered him with a burning blanket. Miraculously, the boy managed to escape the dangerous situation, although the extent of his injuries has not been disclosed at this time.

Prior to this incident, both Phillips and the boy were reported as “missing and endangered” on December 6 by authorities in Wichita, Kansas. It remains unclear when and why they traveled to Highlands County, Florida.

Following the shooting, Phillips aggressively pushed the deputies as they attempted to secure Ham and provide aid. As a result, Phillips, aged 30, is currently in custody at the Highlands County Jail, facing charges that include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and cruelty towards a child.

During a search of the vehicle used by Ham, authorities discovered multiple firearms and drugs, further complicating the investigation.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force will be handling the investigation into the shooting. Meanwhile, the deputies involved in the incident will be placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation progresses.

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