Suicidal Bartow Man Shoots At Deputies: Polk County Sheriff

MULBERRY, FL — A suicidal man who posted a Facebook Live video as he held a shotgun to his head could face first degree murder charges after he shot at deputies, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

William Hogeland, 33, of Bartow sat in his vehicle under a bridge on Nichols Road in Mulberry on Sunday night as he made the suicide threats, deputies said.

Hogeland's family was worried about him and contacted authorities.

Deputies located Hogeland with the help of a police drone before 10 p.m., detectives said.

Investigators said Hogeland argued with his wife earlier in the evening, and left their home as he was drinking alcohol.

Hogeland had been living with depression as he experienced financial and marital issues, investigators said.

Officers said Hogeland complied with them at first but that changed when he reached down and grabbed a shotgun.

Hogeland shot at deputies through his windshield, authorities said.

Four deputies shot at him in return, and he was hit by three bullets, deputies said.

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Chaves, 32, was hit by a bullet in his arm, officers said.

Chaves was last listed in stable condition at a local hospital, the sheriff said.

Chaves had a minor injury, law enforcement officials said.

Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news conference that the agency plans to file first-degree murder charges against Hogeland.

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings with the Polk County Sheriff's Office will include three independent investigations. The PCSO homicide unit will conduct an investigation of the shooting. PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney's Office will conduct a separate investigation. Per agency protocol, all members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

The deputies involved, in addition to Deputy Chaves are: 31-year-old Deputy Sheriff Charles Wallace, 24-year-old Deputy Sheriff Christopher Paul, and 38-year-old Deputy Sheriff Adam Raulerson.