Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Polk deputies shooting update”
2. “Polk deputies hospital release”
Two Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were shot by a suspect in April but have now been released from the hospital. Lt. Chad Anderson and Deputy Craig Smith were injured during a confrontation with the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Kmac El Bey. The deputies were responding to reports of burglaries in the area when the incident occurred. El Bey, described as a Moorish sovereign citizen, resisted law enforcement and was ultimately shot and killed by the deputies. The injured deputies are on the road to recovery, and the community has come together to support them through an official donation page set up by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The two Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were shot by a suspect back in April have finally been released from the hospital. The incident took place at Hunt Fountain Park in North Lakeland, a popular spot for locals to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
The Brave Deputies
Lt. Chad Anderson and Deputy Craig Smith were the two officers who were injured during the confrontation with the suspect, 26-year-old Kmac El Bey. Anderson was shot in the arm, with the bullet traveling into his chest. The bullet miraculously lodged between his heart and spinal column, requiring two emergency surgeries to remove it. Deputy Smith was shot twice and spent time in intensive care.
The Tragic Incident
The incident unfolded late at night when deputies noticed a vehicle parked at the park past closing hours. Upon approaching the vehicle, El Bey refused to cooperate and remained in the car. As backup arrived, the situation escalated when El Bey began shooting at the deputies.
In the chaos that ensued, deputies were forced to return fire, ultimately resulting in the death of El Bey. The Sheriff’s Office later revealed that El Bey was homeless and identified as a sovereign citizen, known for resisting law enforcement.
The Road to Recovery
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed relief that the deputies were finally out of the hospital but acknowledged the long road to recovery that lay ahead for both Anderson and Smith. The community has rallied around the injured deputies, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office setting up an official donation page to assist with their expenses.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, the deputies remain grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. They are determined to overcome their injuries and return to serving and protecting the residents of Polk County.
Supporting the Injured Deputies
As the deputies focus on their recovery, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to provide updates on their progress. The community is encouraged to visit the official donation page to contribute towards the deputies’ expenses and show their support during this challenging time.
With the deputies now on the path to recovery, the community remains united in their support and gratitude for the bravery and dedication displayed by law enforcement officers in Polk County.