Florida Man, High on Meth, Bitten by Alligator, Attacks Police with Garden Shears, Fatally Shot in Chaotic Incident

Timothy Schulz, 42, faced a tragic end after a chaotic encounter with law enforcement in Lakeland, Florida. Early Monday morning, he was seen swimming in a lake known for its alligator population, prompting concern from bystanders.

Witnesses reported that Schulz, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, growled at those attempting to assist him with a life vest. Moments later, an alligator bit his right arm, yet he continued his erratic behavior.

“The fact that he was bitten by an alligator and still continued his rampage is shocking,” remarked Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “But if you’re on enough meth, then the person you see is not the person that’s attacking.”

After the alligator incident, Schulz emerged from the water and seized a pair of garden shears from a nearby residence. As deputies arrived, he charged at them wielding the shears.

In an attempt to subdue him, one officer deployed a stun gun, but it failed to incapacitate Schulz. “They were still trying to take him peacefully into custody,” Judd explained.

In a further escalation, Schulz attempted to enter a patrol vehicle and access one of the officers' firearms. This prompted deputies to fire multiple shots, resulting in Schulz's death.

Schulz had a history of drug-related offenses and had recently been released from county jail on May 20 following a methamphetamine arrest. The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as the incident is investigated.