Death by Cop 2026
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Ronald Breese
Age : 76
Gender : Male
Race : White
Date : 04/07/2026
Location : 2900 block of Socrum Loop Road West
City : Lakeland
County : Polk
State : Florida
Agency : Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Suicide
Event : Suicide under police duress
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 04/07/2026, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded after Ronald Breese called the Veterans Crisis Line and reported he intended to harm himself. Deputies arrived at the residence on the 2900 block of Socrum Loop Road West and found him seated on the front porch holding a gun to his head. Deputies attempted to communicate with him during a prolonged mental health standoff. During the encounter, Breese stood up and fired a shot. Deputies opened fire. He died from his injuries. The incident occurred during an active mental health crisis following his own call for help.