Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigates Fatal Shooting of 81-Year-Old Woman by Sumter County Deputy

WILDWOOD, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently investigating a tragic incident that occurred on Monday night, resulting in the death of an 81-year-old woman. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reported that a deputy shot and killed the elderly woman in a mobile home park in Wildwood.

Distress Call Leads Deputies to the Scene

According to the SCSO, at approximately 11:09 p.m., they received a distress call from the Rails End Mobile Home Park. The caller, later identified as the victim, reported that “people were dying over here” and urgently requested rescue personnel to respond to her residence. Unfortunately, the call abruptly ended.

Confusion and Upset Among Mobile Home Park Residents

The incident has left many residents in the mobile home park feeling upset and bewildered. The tight-knit community is struggling to come to terms with the shocking events that unfolded on that fateful night.

The Encounter Takes a Tragic Turn

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies made contact with the distressed woman, identified as Janet Sours. Concerned for her well-being, they initiated an investigation into her complaint. However, the situation quickly escalated when Sours unexpectedly produced a knife from behind her back and lunged at one of the deputies.

Deputy Forced to Use Deadly Force

In self-defense, the deputy had no choice but to step backward, draw his weapon, and fire at Sours. The deputy’s actions were an attempt to protect himself and his fellow officers from harm. After the shooting, rescue personnel immediately provided lifesaving measures on the scene. However, despite their efforts, Sours tragically succumbed to her injuries during transportation to the Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Investigation Handed Over to FDLE

As is standard procedure in any incident involving a deputy’s use of force, the investigation has been transferred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether it aligns with the established protocols and guidelines.