Edmond Albert Sutton, age 27, of Winter Haven, FL was shot to death, Thursday, May 14th by Polk County, FL deputies, Ivan Navarro, Kevin Loder and Christopher Diaz.
According to the Lakeland Ledger, Polk County, FL Assistant State Attorney, Robert Antonello, explained in his letter to the Polk County Sheriff's Office how the May 14th shooting occurred. In his letter, Antonello states Sutton was suffering from permanent brain injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. As a result, Sutton had a history of severe mood swings and violent behavior toward family members.
The night of the shooting, Sutton's family called for help because Sutton had attacked his mother, and they wanted him forcibly held for psychological evaluation under the State of Florida's Baker Act proceedings.
The three deputies responded to the call and approached the barn on Lucerne Park Road where Sutton was located. Upon announcing their presence, Sutton answered the door holding fully loaded rifle and leveled the weapon at Deputy Navarro, who was about 15 feet away. Antonello's letter further explains Sutton refused instructions to drop the weapon, and aimed at the rifle at Deputy Diaz.
At that moment, all three officers opened fire on Sutton, continuing until Sutton slumped and dropped his rifle. Sutton, who was hit several times, died from the gunshot wounds.
The deputies reported that they had reasonable belief that Sutton would have killed them if they did not take action.
As stated in this article, Sutton was suffering from a traumatic brain injury as a result of previous motorcycle accident. Many times, accident victims, who sustain traumatic brain injuries as a result of the accident, exhibit significant personality changes. These victims frequently become aggressive, which transcends into all aspects of the life, from personal relationships to occupational responsibilities. They are forever changed by the accident.
It is crucial that victims suffering from traumatic brain injuries undergo the proper medical car to diagnose and treat their condition. Traumatic brain injuries are often overlooked, which is why it is crucial for victims to hire a qualified lawyer to assist with the process. In my practice as a personal injury lawyer in Polk County, FL, I have assisted clients with traumatic brain injury. It takes a great deal of patience and understanding to represent these clients because of their aggressive behavior. However, in the end it is rewarding to help these victims obtain the medical care and compensation they deserve.
