PCSO deputy shoots, kills 76yo Ronald Reese north Lakeland Socrum Loop Rd
Key Questions
What happened in the deputy-involved shooting on Socrum Loop Road?
On April 7, Polk County Sheriff's deputies shot and killed 76-year-old Ronald Reese at 2900 W Socrum Loop Rd north of Lakeland. The incident occurred during a suicide crisis call where Reese, a Vietnam veteran, was day drinking with a gun to his head and fired at deputies. No deputies were injured.
Who was Ronald Reese and what led to his death?
Ronald Reese was a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran involved in a suicide crisis. Deputies responded to a call where he was drinking during the day and holding a gun to his head; he fired at them, leading to deputies shooting and killing him. There was no de-escalation mentioned in the reports.
What is the status of the investigation into the shooting?
Sheriff Judd held a briefing following the incident. A task force probe is ongoing, with public safety updates to be monitored. The status is currently cooling.
Deputy-involved shooting 4/7 at 2900 W Socrum Loop Rd; 76yo Ronald Reese (Vietnam vet) killed after firing at deputies during suicide crisis call (day drinking, gun to head, no de-escalation). No deputies injured. Sheriff Judd briefing followed; monitor task force probe, public safety updates.