'Nothing About Politically Correct in a Gunfight,' Florida Sheriff Tells Reporter

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When four armed men robbed a Cash America Pawn Shop in Auburndale earlier this week, leading police on a chase that would result in the death of two women and multiple shots fired at officers, Sheriff Grady Judd didn’t mince words as the manhunt continued.

Judd was quoted as saying his agency was prepared to shoot the suspects that evaded capture and that his deputies were ready for a gunfight if it came to that.

Following the roundup of all four men wanted in connection with the crime that had residents in one part of Polk County urged to stay inside and keep their doors locked, a reporter asked Judd if he had any regrets about statements he made during the chase.

“I not only have no regret, I’m pretty excited about telling you that’s exactly what would have happened,” Judd fired back. “Make no mistake about it, there’s nothing about politically correct in a gunfight.”

Judd went on to explain that officers prefer peaceful resolutions, but that’s not always possible.

“If you start pointing guns at us you can not only plan on, but you can guarantee, we’re going to shoot you.”

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The case that promoted the remarks began to unfold just before 6 p.m. Thursday when police were dispatched to the Auburndale pawn shop in reference to a robbery in progress. When they arrived, the men had fled in a burgundy GMC SUV. A pursuit ensued with the suspects firing several shots at a Haines City Police Department patrol car, an email to media from the agency stated. The suspects crashed the SUV shortly thereafter and fled on foot. One was caught right after the crash, but the other three managed to escape.

Police caught up with one of the suspects a little bit later when a resident reported suspicious activity at a home near hers. When deputies and officers arrived at the home, a blue car came barreling out of the garage “straight at the deputies and officers, who opened fire on the car,” the sheriff’s office stated in an email to media.

When the car stopped, the suspect, who had been shot, was brought into custody. He was also bit by a K-9, the sheriff’s office reported.

Once inside the home, police discovered the bodies of two women.

The search for the final two suspects continued until Friday morning. The two were located in Haines City.

Michael Gordon, Devonere McCune, Jovan Lamb and Terrell Williams now face a host of charges in the case. Gordon, 32, faces two counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Patricia Moran, 72, and her daughter, Deborah Royal, 51, inside the Haines City home.

A judge on Saturday morning denied bail for all four men.

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