Lakeland Police Release Video Of 'Chaotic Scene' Before Shooting

LAKELAND, FL — Lakeland police released video of the "large chaotic scene" outside Salem's Gyros & More early Wednesday morning moments before a suspected car thief was shot by police. Seventeen-year-old Michael Jerome Taylor, Jr. later died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

"While the officers were there dealing with over 200 patrons in the parking lot, they noticed a black Camaro that was stolen and has been confirmed stolen out of Winter Haven," explained Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens.

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The shooting has sparked protest and concern by some members of the Lakeland community.

The Lakeland officers involved in the shooting incident were later identified as Officer Markais Neal, Officer Joseph Novis and Officer Raj Patel.

"It was a large chaotic scene — lots of people in the parking lot," said the chief. "The driver of the vehicle noticed the officers approaching. He aggressively began to speed through the parking lot, driving at one of our officers, placing them in fear for their life along with all the other patrons that began to scatter."

The chief said that his officers opened fire on the Camaro after the driver tried to strike at least one of them with the vehicle and ignored commands to stop.

"The driver ignored that, continued to drive through the parking lot at a high rate of speed, striking several vehicles in the parking lot, struck a light pole, and he ended up ... ramming into a parked vehicle and actually knocking it into the Bike Barn," the chief said. "He hit that car with such force that it knocked that vehicle through a block wall which caused the airbag to deploy."

A female passenger "rolled out of the vehicle" and was taken into custody. She told police that there was a possible firearm in the Carmaro. Police said they found a loaded handgun in the driver's side floorboard.

The incident occurred at 2:21 a.m. at the corner of North Florida Avenue and Memorial Boulevard.

Lakeland police said that officers were initially called because a large crowd had formed after a local nightclub closed.

"When the officers arrived, they dispersed part of the crowd," Lakeland police said. "Over 100 people remained, so the officers continued to monitor the situation."

The entire incident lasted only 42 seconds.

"It was later learned that the offender was on felony probation as a violent offender of special concern under the anti-murder act for robbery with a weapon, burglary while armed, fleeing and eluding with a high-speed chase, burglary conveyance and grand theft auto," police explained.

The chief said that the passenger was being treated as a suspect and possible witness.

"Our officers will be placed on administrative leave," he said. "After four days, they will go and see a psychologist. We will evaluate them from that point and move forward."

Photo courtesy Lakeland Police Department