Officer Shot Accused Car Burglar When He Pointed Something At Deputy

POLK COUNTY, FL — A Mulberry man suffered serious injuries when a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy shot him early Tuesday for telling the officer he had a gun and then pointing an object at the deputy, a news release said.

The suspect, Neil Bourcy, 25, is facing charges the sheriff's office hasn't yet released.

Deputy Christopher Warren has been placed on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation. He started working as a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office in December 2020. Previously, he served three years with the Bartow Police Department.

Three investigations will take place: PCSO will conduct a criminal investigation, PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney's Office will conduct a separate investigation.

A victim experienced injuries when Bourcy stabbed them with a knife late Monday night, according to deputies. They were last reported in stable condition by medical staff at a local hospital.

Bourcy's current condition is unknown as medical staff at a local hospital said he was undergoing surgeries for his injuries resulting from being shot six times by Warren.

Warren did not experience any injuries.

The Accused Car Thefts, Stabbing, Gunshots, According To The Polk County Sheriff's Office

Bourcy is accused by deputies of stealing a dark color Dodge Nitro from a business on Old Tampa Highway in unincorporated Lakeland at about 7:20 p.m. Monday. Bourcy then drove the Nitro to Ruby Street in Lakeland and the vehicle near a park, deputies said.

Witnesses told investigators Bourcy entered a residential community and began banging on the front doors of houses. The suspect stabbed a home owner who refused to give Bourcy the car keys, according to deputies.

A Lincoln MKX on Josephine Street was then stolen by Bourcy, detectives said.

Deputies saw the Lincoln at about 2 a.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 98 and County Road 540A in Highland City. Bourcy then drove the vehicle to Denver Street where he left it after it became stuck in a backyard, deputies said.

The PCSO aviation unit saw Bourcy in the back yard, and told Warren his location. He is accused of running away from Warren, deputies said.

When Warren caught up with him again, Bourcy told the deputy he had a gun. He then pointed a black object he pulled from his pocket toward the deputy, according to officers.

Warren then shot Bourcy six times, the sheriff's office said.

Detectives said they found a black cell phone and a box-blade style knife next to Bourcy.

The investigation is ongoing.