Winter Haven Police Shoot Man Who Pointed Gun At Them

WINTER HAVEN, FL – Winter Haven Police are investigating officer-involved shooting at the Royal Inn, 3525 Lake Alfred Rd. (U.S.17) in Winter Haven.

911 received a call at 5:18 a.m. Wednesday, July 18 from a person who was threatening suicide. The caller told the 911 operator that he had a loaded gun in his pocket.

When police arrived, they found Roderick Helmick, 46, who was standing by a lake behind the motel where he'd been living.

When five officers approached Helmick, he pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at them. The officers fired on Helmick and he was struck multiple times.

Officers immediately rendered aid before the man was taken to Lakeland Regional Health where he is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

No officers were injured. The officers involved will be suspended with pay, which is standard procedure, said Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird.

Bird said the man's wife recently died and he was depressed.

"This is very sad that this happened but the officers had not other choice but to do what they did," said Bird. "It's a tragic situation."

Image via Winter Haven Police

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