Winter Haven officer-involved shooting injures man

WINTER HAVEN (FOX 13) - An officer-involved shooting in Winter Haven left one person injured, police said.

Police said they responded to a 911 call after 5:15 a.m. Wednesday regarding someone threatening suicide at the Royal Inn on Lake Alfred Road. The person who dialed 911 told the operator he had a loaded gun in his pocket, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.

When officers arrived, the subject pulled out a weapon from his pocket and pointed it at police, according to the agency. Five officers fired their weapons on the subject and he was struck multiple times, Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird said at a news conference Wednesday. 

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating. 

There is no word on the man's condition, but he was alive and talking to police when he was transported to the hospital. Police said offers began rendering aid before he was transported. No officers were injured.

Chief Bird confirmed that the man had recently lost his wife and he was depressed. He said his officers had no choice but to fire when the gun was pointed at them. "When someone makes a choice like that, it's a tragic situation for both sides," Chief Bird said.