OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. A 16-year-old male died Thursday evening following a confrontation inside a Walmart store in Poinciana, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the incident took place shortly before 8:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway.
An off-duty deputy who was working security at the store was notified by a loss prevention officer that three individuals were suspected of concealing merchandise inside their clothing.
When the deputy and store staff attempted to approach the individuals near the front area of the store, one of the suspects allegedly ran while carrying a firearm. Sheriff Blackmon stated that the deputy discharged his weapon, striking the armed individual.
During a media briefing, Blackmon said the deputy fired at the suspect, who was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities confirmed the individual was a 16-year-old resident of Poinciana. His identity has not been publicly released.
The two other individuals believed to have been with the teen left the store immediately after the incident.
Initial dispatch reports described two male subjects wearing dark clothing leaving the area in an unknown direction, leading to a coordinated search.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted Osceola County authorities with perimeter security and area searches. Investigators recovered shell casings at the scene, and a K-9 unit was used to assist in tracking efforts.
By Friday, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the two additional individuals had been identified and located.
One of them is a juvenile, while the other is an adult in his 20s. Officials have not announced whether any charges will be filed.
Polk County deputies cleared the scene later that evening. The investigation continues under the authority of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities stated that the deputy involved was not injured during the incident.
Following standard procedure for deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has launched an independent review regarding the use of force.
Officials have asked the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation remains ongoing.
Further updates, including additional information about the deceased teen, are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
