Search fatalities

Charles Franklin Edwards

Gender : Male

Age : 52

Race : White

Date : 11/09/2024

Location :

City : Eagle Lake

County : Polk

State : Florida

Agency : Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Deputy Sheriff Christopher Johnston

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during domestic violence call

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 11/09/2024, Polk County Sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic violence call in Eagle Lake after a 61-year-old woman reported being attacked by her husband, Charles Franklin Edwards Jr. The victim's screams were reportedly audible during the 911 call. Upon arrival, Deputy Christopher Johnston entered the residence and observed Edwards striking the woman with a hammer. Johnston repeatedly commanded Edwards to drop the weapon, but Edwards ignored the orders.
.
The deputy attempted to use a Taser on Edwards, who removed the probes and advanced toward Johnston while holding the hammer. Johnston fired multiple shots, striking Edwards. Edwards was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The woman sustained significant injuries but is expected to survive.
.
Edwards, a father of three and former mechanic, had no publicly documented history of violence, though neighbors reported escalating tensions in the household. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not released information about whether de-escalation tactics or alternative interventions were considered prior to deploying deadly force.
.
The 10th Judicial Circuit's Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force is investigating the shooting, with an internal review being conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The findings will be forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for further review. Body camera footage, if available, has not been released.
.
NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER:
1 fatality.
.
Last update: November 22, 2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/2024/11/09/oidi-task-force-investigates-fatal-deputy-involved-shooting-in-eagle-lake
https://www.fox13news.com/news/man-who-violently-beat-wife-hammer-shot-killed-polk-county-deputy-pcso
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/11/09/man-with-hammer-charged-at-polk-deputy-who-fatally-shot-him-sheriffs-office-says/