Polk County Deputy Opens Fire On Armed Homeowner

LAKELAND, FL — A Polk County sheriff's deputy opened fire on an armed homeowner Friday after the homeowner allegedly called police to say there was an intruder trying to get into his home.

The agency's Brian Bruchey said the shooting occurred on Saddlehorn Drive in Lakeland. "No deputies were injured, but the armed subject is deceased," Bruchey said.

The homeowner was identified as 60-year-old Kenneth Layton, who called the county's Emergency Communications Center at 10:20 a.m. to report the possible intruder.

"Layton remained on the phone with the ECC until Deputy Sheriff Chad Nichols arrived at 10:31 a.m. and remained on the phone throughout the entire incident," Bruchey explained.

Nichols, a 15-year veteran of the force, attempted to speak with Layton at the front door but Layton allegedly refused to put down his weapon.

"When the front door opened, Nichols saw Layton with a handgun at his side," Bruchey said. "Nichols backed away from the front door and Layton followed him."

Bruchey said Nichols was wearing his deputy's uniform at the time and arrived in a marked patrol car. He said Nichols repeatedly told Layton to drop his gun, but Layton wouldn't comply.

"Layton raised the gun, forcing Nichols to fire one shot into Layton's chest," according to Bruchey.

Polk Fire Rescue personnel took Layton away from the scene by ambulance, but he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd insisted his deputy had no choice but to shoot Layton.

"This appears to be a classic example of suicide by cop," Judd explained. "There is no evidence at this point in the investigation that there was ever anybody trying to get inside his house."

Detectives learned from a neighbor that Layton's wife died earlier this year and they are attempting to determine what role, if any, that played in the incident.

Nichols was placed on administrative leave with pay pending multiple investigations into the shooting.

The sheriff's office said there will be an administrative inquiry, an investigation by the State Attorney's Office as well as an investigation by the 10th District Medical Examiner.

"I feel bad for this man's family and friends, but I am happy our deputy was not hurt," Judd added.