Crime & Safety
Convicted Felon Shot After Pulling Gun On Polk Sheriff's Detectives
A man is in critical condition after being shot by Polk sheriff's deputies who said the man pulled a gun on them.
WINTER HAVEN, FL — The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in the Wahneta area of unincorporated Winter Haven.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, around 3:45 p.m. Thursday, detectives were following up on information that a man in the area was in possession of a stolen handgun and may have stolen a motorcycle.
The two detectives spotted a man who matched the description given walking on Avenue A West near 17th Street West. The detectives, who were wearing vests marked "Sheriff," stopped and attempted to talk with him.
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The man, later identified as 31-year-old Brent Conley, pulled out a handgun and aimed it at the detectives.
Fearing for their lives, one of the detectives fired his handgun at Conley. The detectives then began life-saving measures on Conley and requested medical assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue.
Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Conley was taken to a hospital for treatment, and was last reported in critical but stable condition.
The 9mm handgun Conley had was found loaded with ammunition, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
"When you pull a gun on my deputies, they have an obligation to protect themselves and others. You can expect to be shot," Judd said.
Conley has a criminal history of 12 felonies and nine misdemeanors including charges of aggravated battery, burglary, obstruction, battery on a law enforcement officer, theft, resisting arrest and drug possession.
He was released from the Polk County Jail on May 12 after being arrested for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia and resisting arrest. Prior to that, he was released from the Florida state prison Aug. 8, 2021.
Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings includes three independent investigations. The Pasco sheriff's office will conduct a criminal investigation, the Pasco administrative investigations division will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the Pasc County State Attorney's Office will conduct a separate investigation.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
