Police Say Lakeland City Commissioner Shot Man At Surplus Store

LAKELAND, FL -- Lakeland Police say Lakeland City Commissioner Mike Dunn shot and killed a man Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Vets Army-Navy Surplus at 819 N. Florida Ave., which Dunn owns.

Police were called to the store at about 2:30 p.m. in response to a report about a shooting. Upon arriving, police discovered the body of 50-year-old Cristobal Lopez lying outside the front door of the store.

Lopez reportedly came into the store with his father. As his father was making a purchase, Lopez reportedly tried to conceal a hatchet. Dunn stopped Lopez as he was leaving the store and asked if he was going to pay for the hatchet. An argument followed and Dunn reportedly pulled a gun and shot Lopez.

Police are still in the process of interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. There were two employees in the store at the time.

Dunn has served as a city commissioner since January. In addition to selling Army and Navy surplus clothing and equipment, the store sells guns.

Image via Lakeland Police

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