Charges Filed Against 2 Men Shot By Polk Law Enforcement

WINTER HAVEN, FL – A 47-year-old man shot by Winter Haven Police officers is being charged with six counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Roderick Helmick, who is continuing to improve at Lakeland Regional Health after being shot multiple times on July 18 at the Royal Inn, 3525 Lake Alfred Road.

Police responded to a caller from the Royal Inn who said he had a gun and was planning to kill himself. When officers approached Helmick, he pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at police and police fired at him. (See related story.)

He will be booked into the Polk County Jail once his health improves enough to be transferred.

Shannon Baxley, 40, is also recovering from wounds after being shot by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies on July 22.

Baxley reportedly tried to run over a deputy during a routine traffic stop in North Lakeland and then led deputies on a rainy pursuit to Auburndale.

Baxley was shot three times when he reached into the waist band of his pants and deputies feared he was going for a gun. It turned out, Baxley was reaching for a baggie of marijuana. (See related story.)

The sheriff’s office has filed affidavits charging Baxley with one count of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of fleeing to elude at reckless and high speeds, one count of resisting arrest, one count of tampering with evidence, one count of possession of marijuana, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic citation for illegal tint.

He will also be booked into the Polk County Jail once he recovers.

Image via Polk County Sheriff

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