Florida Man With Schizophrenia Killed By Sheriff's Deputies

AUBURNDALE, FL — A 35-year-old Florida man suffering from schizophrenia was killed Thursday night when he pointed a handgun at sheriff's deputies and refused to drop his weapon, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Juan Rosa was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he died. The incident happened around 8:35 p.m. at the home of Rosa's mother in the 300 block of Congress Street.

Carrie Horstman of the sheriff's office said Rosa's mother initially called 9-1-1 to report her son was in a "combative mood and in a rage" inside the home.

"She told the call taker that her son said if she called 9-1-1 he would kill himself," Horstman explained. "She told the call taker that there was nothing else she could do for him."

When deputies arrived they found Rosa inside his bedroom with the door closed.

"The deputies announced their presence, and he opened the door armed with a handgun," Horstman said. "He ignored their commands to drop the gun, and pointed it at them. They both fired at the suspect, in fear for their lives."

Horstman did not identify the deputies involved but said one was a sergeant. She said all deputy-involved shootings in Polk County are reviewed by multiple departments and agencies.

"The PCSO homicide unit will conduct a death investigation," she said. "PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney's Office will conduct a separate investigation. The 10th District Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death."