BRADFORD COUNTY, FL — July 22, 2025 — The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is actively investigating a fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, following an attempt to contact a suspect allegedly involved in making threatening statements toward bank employees.
The incident unfolded in a rural residential area located on Northwest County Road 225 near Northwest State Road 16. According to preliminary information released by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports that the male suspect had made credible threats targeting employees at a local bank earlier in the day. Authorities began working swiftly to locate and engage the individual in an effort to prevent potential violence.
Upon arrival at the suspect’s residence, deputies attempted to make verbal contact. The situation quickly escalated when the suspect allegedly exited the home armed with two firearms. Deputies on scene reportedly made multiple efforts to de-escalate the encounter, issuing verbal commands and attempting to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully.
However, the confrontation turned deadly when the suspect reportedly failed to comply with deputies’ instructions and shots were fired. The suspect was struck by gunfire during the exchange and was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were physically injured during the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Response
BCSO has secured the area and turned the investigation over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which is standard protocol in any deputy-involved shooting. Forensic units and internal affairs investigators are working in tandem to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review body-worn camera footage from the deputies involved.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith expressed condolences over the tragic outcome while affirming the professionalism of the responding deputies:
“This is never the way we want a situation to end. Our deputies are trained to de-escalate wherever possible and to protect lives—both theirs and the public’s. Unfortunately, this individual made a decision that left our deputies with no choice but to act in self-defense. We will cooperate fully with the FDLE to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation.”
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The neighborhood surrounding Northwest CR 225 was cordoned off for several hours as investigators processed the scene. Several nearby residents reported hearing loud commands followed by multiple gunshots. Though shaken, local residents expressed relief that no deputies or bystanders were harmed.
The identity of the deceased suspect has not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin. It is not yet clear whether the suspect had a known criminal record or a history of mental health issues, though authorities have confirmed that the bank threats were serious enough to warrant an immediate law enforcement response.
Standard Review Procedures
As with all officer-involved shootings, the deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this is standard procedure and not indicative of any wrongdoing.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will determine whether the use of force was justified, and their findings will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further review. No charges are anticipated against the deputies involved based on the initial facts of the case.
Public Encouraged to Assist
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with additional information or video recordings from the area at the time of the incident to contact BCSO or the FDLE. Members of the public may submit anonymous tips through the Bradford County Crime Tip Line at (904) 966-2276.
More information will be released as the investigation progresses.
This remains an active and developing story.
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