Polk Deputy Shoots, Kills Man Wielding Knife

LAKELAND, FL – A 44-year-old man was shot and killed by a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy Monday, March 5, after threatening detectives and deputies with a knife.

During a press conference, Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said the deputies had no choice but to shoot the man.

Polk County Sheriff's detectives were in the south Lakeland area investigating a series of robberies around 2:15 p.m. when they spotted a car driving erratically. They chased the car, which drove through a yard before stopping at a swampy area near Presidential Lane and Old Government Road.

Judd said the man in the car, identified as Ryan L. Smith, jumped and pointed a 4- to 5-inch knife at detectives, yelling "Shoot me."

The detectives called in deputies and a K9 unit, which chased Smith into a shed. When Smith emerged, he approached the deputies with the knife in a threatening manner, prompting a deputy to fire several shots.

Judd said he doesn't know how many times Smith was hit. He died later at the hospital.

When they searched Smith’s car, deputies discovered a substantial amount of illegal drugs.

Smith has been in prison five times. His criminal history include 22 felony charges and 25 misdemeanors.

Video via Polk County Sheriff