A Fort Meade man was shot and killed by law enforcement Friday after a violent confrontation that left a Polk County sheriff’s deputy and a Bartow police officer injured, authorities said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd identified the suspect as Wayne Volz, 34, who died after exchanging gunfire with officers outside a Lowe’s home improvement store in Bartow late Friday afternoon. The incident began earlier in the day at Volz’s Fort Meade residence, where he allegedly pistol-whipped his mother and threatened his father during a heated argument, Judd said at a news conference.
According to investigators, Volz held his parents hostage for several hours, confiscating their cell phones and making threats to kill them. He reportedly claimed to be “Jesus and God” during the ordeal and has a history of drug addiction, Judd said. The situation escalated when Volz agreed to accompany his father to work at a Bartow hardware store. Once inside the store, Volz’s father alerted co-workers, who helped him hide, and called 911.
Law enforcement responded to the scene, and Volz was located walking between nearby buildings. When confronted, Volz allegedly opened fire, striking Deputy Edwin Alexander in the forearm and Bartow Officer Mark Sills in the chest. Sills’ ballistic vest prevented serious injury, officials said. Officers returned fire, shooting Volz multiple times.
Volz was transported to Bartow Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Both injured officers were taken to Lakeland Regional Health and are expected to recover.
The 10th Judicial Circuit’s officer-involved shooting task force is investigating the incident. All officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the review, as is standard procedure.
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