MANHUNT: One deputy dead, other shot in leg, suspect still at large

Kathleen, Florida — A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy has been shot to death, another deputy is injured and three schools were under lockdown near Lakeland. Dozens of officers are canvassing the area, searching for the suspect.

Kathleen High School, Winston Elementary and McKeel Academy, a nearby charter school, are no longer under lockdown.

The situation began when a Polk deputy reportedly stopped a vehicle for speeding on Wabash Avenue and 10^th Street at around 11:45 AM. The deputy was backed up by another Polk County Sheriff's K-9 team. The suspect gave the deputy a fake ID.

At one point, the suspect asked if he would be arrested. When the deputy responded he didn't know, the suspect ran into a nearby wooded area.

The responding deputy followed, while the backup deputy and K-9 also began a pursuit shortly afterward. Numerous shots were then fired, hitting both deputies as well as the K-9.

The deputies have been transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for their injuries. Deputy Doug Speirs was shot in the leg, and is expected to recover. Officer Matthew Williams, and his K-9 deputy were both shot to death.

Responding Lakeland PD later encountered the suspect behind a nearby house, and further gunfire was exchanged. The suspect again fled into the woods. There is no word on whether the gunman has been injured.

Officers from the FDLE, Hills PD, Lakeland PD, and Polk County Sheriff's Office are all engaged in the search for the suspect. Hillsborough County has also volunteered 22 deputies and a chopper to help in the search.

Speaking at a news conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told reporters, "We will find him. We will bring him to justice."

Right now, the only details we have on the suspect is that he is a black male speaking with a Jamaican accent, has dreadlocks, wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants, and he may be on foot in the area. If you are in the area and see someone that suits the description - you are advised to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-534-6200.