The front window of a Polk County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle, shattered by multiple gunshots, following the fatal shooting of Timothy Schultz on May 26, 2025, after he attempted to access a firearm inside the vehicle. (Credit: PCSO)
LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot 42-year-old Timothy Schultz on Monday, May 26, 2025, after he charged at them with garden shears, attempted to break into a vehicle, and tried to access a firearm in a patrol car.
Sheriff Grady Judd provided details during a press conference, citing the Florida man‘s history of methamphetamine arrests and erratic behavior during the incident.
At 5:56 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a call about a man acting strangely at a Race Trac gas station on Highway 37, shaking and asking to call his son. Deputies searched for over 40 minutes but could not find him.
At 7:43 a.m., another call reported a man in a lake near alligators. Witnesses said he refused a life vest, growled at one person, and was bitten on the right arm by an alligator.
Schultz emerged from the lake, picked up garden shears, and attempted to break into a truck with a brick.
As deputies arrived, a witness said he charged them with the shears. Deputies tried to de-escalate, ordering him to drop the weapon and using tasers twice, but the tasers had no effect.
Schultz then entered a running patrol vehicle and attempted to access a rifle or shotgun, prompting deputies to shoot him multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Judd noted Schultz’s criminal history, including multiple methamphetamine arrests, with his latest release from jail on May 20.
He described the incident as an example of the dangers of drug use, stating, “There are still people that want to make the community believe that drugs are low-level and non-violent. Well, here’s your sign.”
The incident is under investigation by a multi-agency task force, with findings to be reviewed by State Attorney Brian Haas. The two deputies involved—one in training and one a trainer—are on administrative leave pending the initial investigation and will undergo mandatory psychological evaluations.
Judd defended their actions, stating, “You’re not going to assault our deputies feloniously… if you do, we’re going to shoot you just enough so you don’t want to ever do that again or can’t.”
This article is based on information from the Polk County Sheriff’s press conference. Details may be updated as the investigation continues.
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