Man Shot And Killed By Escambia Deputies After Meat Cleaver Attack

December 1, 2018

A man that attacked officers with a meat cleaver early Saturday morning was shot and killed by Escambia County deputies.

The incident happened just before 4 a.m. at the Alabaster Garden Apartments off Massachusetts Avenue.  A caller to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office stated that a person had been murdered inside one of the apartments.

When deputies arrived on scene, the suspect opened the door holding a meat cleaver and “another cutting instrument”, according to the Sheriff’s Office, and the man refused orders to drop the weapons.

Less than lethal options were attempted several times to try to get the suspect to comply. The suspect then attacked deputies with the meat cleaver at which time he was shot and killed. Deputies were not injured.

No other person was found inside the apartment.

The name of the suspect has not yet been released.

As is standard procedure in an officer involved shooting, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

4 Responses to “Man Shot And Killed By Escambia Deputies After Meat Cleaver Attack”

  1. David Huie Green on December 1st, 2018 1:45 pm

    CONSIDERING:
    “I do believe less than lethal weapons are a liability to law enforcement”

    If an officer’s only recourse is lethal weapons, every encounter will end in lethal force.

    They know and appreciate the fact that there are less permanent responses to most encounters. They can de-escalate most situations without having to kill anyone. This just wasn’t one of those situations. It is a dangerous job because you never know what you’re facing but usually bullets are only needed as backup — not your go-to tool.

    (I am still reminded of Police Academy:
    “Officer, can you get my cat down from the tree?”
    “No problem, ma’am.” Then he pulls his weapon to bring the cat down.
    Very funny, but then I’m not a cat person no matter how many keep eating the possum’s food.)

    We are left wondering who placed the prank call which led to his death. He chose how it ended but someone else chose how it began.

    David for public safety

  2. John on December 1st, 2018 10:12 am

    I do believe less than lethal weapons are a liability to law enforcement there are recorded incidents where the officer went for his less than lethal weapon, when he should have gone for his firearm and costed them their lives because of the precious seconds.

    Thankyou officers for all that you do. Glad you guys are all safe.

    Also: our legislators need to do more and can do more to stop the revolving door prison system that we have.

    Can we get more info on suspect and his background?

  3. Grand Locust on December 1st, 2018 8:00 am

    Officers have a tough enough job without being called to provide officer assisted suicide.

  4. Richard on December 1st, 2018 7:43 am

    Another case where deputies were required to eliminate a threat to our community. These brave men and women deserve our sincere gratitude for doing theirs jobs to protect us. Will pray for them, especially for the one who fired the shot.