‘Out of control’ man fired shots at deputies who fired back during chase, sheriff says | Bradenton Herald

A man was shot multiple times by deputies after a “wild ... out of control” man threatened family early Friday, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The man is in custody and receiving treatment at Lakeland Regional Health, Sheriff Grady Judd said. Joshua Imhoff, 32, was identified as the man involved in the incident, according to Spectrum Bay News 9.

A portion of Highway 33 in Lakeland is closed as the investigation continues. Officials said they are not seeking other suspects.

Judd told reporters that deputies responded to a domestic call around 4:23 a.m. Friday after Imhoff threatened family members and showed a gun on Facebook.

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Deputies evacuated the woman and her family from their home. They later saw Imhoff driving on Interstate 4 and attempted to pull him over, but he turned around and took off.

He began to fire at deputies trying to pull his vehicle over.

“That’s a very bad thing to do,” Judd said. “When he shoots at us, we shoot at him.”

Deputies rammed Imhoff’s vehicle off the road along Highway 33, but he jumped out and fired shots, Judd said.

Imhoff was knocked down by deputies who chased him in a cruiser, but jumped back up holding a knife. Deputies fire more shots, Judd said.

Deputies rendered aid to Imhoff until an ambulance arrived. WFLA News Channel 8 reported Imhoff is in intensive care at a hospital.

It was not known how many times Imhoff was shot. Judd did not know if drugs were involved.

“He was wild and out of control,” Judd said. “We don't know whether he had drugs in his system (or not). He threatened his family, he threatened deputies and he made ‘suicide by cop’ statements. Ultimately he shot at my deputies and you just don't do that.”

Judd confirmed Imhoff is a convicted felon and illegally possessed a firearm.

No deputies were injured in the incident.

Highway 33 is closed at the intersections of Combee Road and University Boulevard, according to the sheriff’s office.