Florida police officer shoots armed man at gas station after mental health call escalates
By Allison Petro & Spencer Tracy
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LONGWOOD, Florida (WESH) — A man was shot by police at a Longwood gas station after officers responded to a mental health call that escalated into a dangerous situation on Tuesday night.
The Longwood Police Department responded to a convenience store at 1001 West State Road 434 around 9:11 p.m. after reports of an armed, suicidal man inside.
Once police arrived, they attempted to de-escalate the situation by speaking with the man.
However, police said he did not comply and kept his hands hidden inside his waistband.
Police said the man then suddenly moved his hands in a way the officer believed was threatening, causing the officer to fire his weapon and strike the man.
Officers immediately provided first aid until fire rescue arrived. The man was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.
No officers were injured in the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an independent investigation, which is standard in cases like this.
Longwood police said this remains an active investigation.
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