Lakeland, Florida Shooting: Sheriff Grady Judd Says ‘You Can Expect To Be Shot’ After Homeowner Shoots, Kills Intruder
In making an announcement of a shooting in Lakeland, Florida, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was straight to the point in proclaiming that it was self-defense. A 24-year-old man named Chevez Antwann Faison broke into a Lakeland home on New Year’s Day while armed with a gun. In response, the homeowner shot and killed the intruder, which is what Sheriff Judd says everyone should expect in Polk County.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, a Florida mother shot her daughter dead after mistaking her for an intruder. The new Chicago shootings almost set a record, since a shooting occurred within minutes of 2016, and a gun murder took place mere hours into the new year.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced on their Facebook page that homicide detectives are currently conducting a gun shot death which occurred in a Lakeland residence. The incident occurred in the early part of the morning, only six-and-a-half hours into New Year’s Day, when Faison allegedly entered the property illegally.
Faison allegedly shot at the homeowner and one other person inside, and the homeowner responded by firing back. Faison was shot and killed during the home invasion, and no one else was reported as injured.
The alleged home invader has a long criminal history. Faison was arrested in Polk County in 2007 based upon charges of robbery, escape, attempted escape, battery on a detention staffer, two charges of burglary of dwelling, larceny or grand theft in the third degree, property damage, and criminal mischief. The young man was released from a Florida prison in March of 2015, only to be killed while allegedly attempting this new home robbery.
“Forcing your way into an occupied residence is a bold and foolish decision — if you are foolish enough to break into someone’s home, you can expect to be shot in Polk County,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.
Gun rights advocates have already begun celebrating Judd’s comment on social media. For example, the website Concealed Nation says the Florida sheriff should be lauded for the statement.
“We applaud Sheriff Judd for his remarks that are to-the-point and honest. All too often, we see people beating around the bush in their statements to the public. While any loss of life is sad, no one should tolerate the actions of a hardened criminal bent on destruction,” said the gun rights website. “Take note: Citizens are armed, and they’re fighting back.”
Other Florida Sheriffs Take A Bold Stance On Gun Rights
Recently, new gun control laws have become the center of political debates. President Obama has threatened to release a gun control executive order, but some Florida sheriffs like Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey believes more Florida residents need to openly carry guns in public as long as they also hold a concealed carry permit.
“This comes down to giving our citizens the immediate ability to protect themselves,” Sheriff Ivey said. “One of the great things about being sheriff is that you’re able to do and say what needs to be said and done to protect the citizens of your community.”
Ivey largely made these comments in response to the San Bernardino shooting massacre, but the Florida sheriff also says he is concerned about government officials “who appear more concerned about being politically correct than they are about protecting those they took an oath to protect and serve.”
Polk County Asks For Help
In making the announcement for the home invasion death, Sheriff Grady Judd’s office also said there is an “active, ongoing investigation.” Police detectives are asking for the public’s help, and anyone who has information about the New Year’s Day shooting is asked to call Crime Stopper at 1-800-226-TIPS, or contact the PCSO at 863-298-6200.
[Image via Polk County Sheriffs Office]
