AUBURNDALE, Fla. (AP) — A central Florida deputy shot a man to death during a standoff after authorities say the man pointed a stapler at the deputy.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies responded to a call Monday about suspected drug activity at an Auburndale home. Officials say 34-year-old Dominic Fuller, who was suspected in a shooting earlier this month, fled on foot as deputies approached.
He told a news conference that Fuller was seen trying to open doors of cars and homes and was heard by one witness yelling, “I have a gun.” Deputies eventually found Fuller outside a home, and ran inside, according to the sheriff.
After repeated commands to surrender, Judd said, Fuller showed only his left hand while keeping the right hand hidden behind his back.
Judd said Fuller went back inside, then emerged and pointed a black and chrome object at the deputy. Police say the deputy feared for his life and fired five times. The object turned out to be a stapler.
Local media reports said Fuller had been arrested 17 times on 32 charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, carjacking and child abuse.
“We don’t choose to shoot people. People choose for us to shoot them,” Judd said, adding that Fuller had set up “a perfect storm.”
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