Crime
16-Year-Old Shot and Killed by Off-Duty Deputy During Shoplifting Confrontation at Walmart in Poinciana
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old male was shot and killed Thursday evening during a confrontation inside a Walmart store in Poinciana, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway.
An off-duty deputy working security at the store was alerted by a loss prevention officer that three individuals were allegedly concealing merchandise inside their clothing.
As the deputy and store personnel attempted to make contact near the front of the store, one of the suspects reportedly fled while holding a firearm. Sheriff Blackmon stated that the deputy discharged his weapon, striking the armed individual.
“Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out,” Blackmon said during a media briefing.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities later confirmed he was a 16-year-old resident of Poinciana. His name has not been publicly released.
The two other individuals who were reportedly with the teen fled the store immediately following the shooting.
Early dispatch information indicated that two male subjects wearing dark clothing left in an unknown direction, prompting a coordinated search effort.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted Osceola County authorities with perimeter operations and area searches. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, and a K-9 unit was deployed to assist in tracking.
By Friday, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the two additional individuals had been identified and accounted for.
One is a juvenile and the other is an adult in his 20s. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed.
Polk County deputies cleared the scene later in the evening, and the investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the deputy involved in the shooting was not injured.
In accordance with standard protocol for deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Additional details, including further information about the deceased teen, are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.
BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Authorities are investigating a vehicle ramming at a power substation near Boulder City as a terrorism-related incident after the suspect, identified as Dawson Noah Maloney of New York state, intentionally crashed into the facility before fatally shooting himself.
During a press conference, law enforcement officials confirmed that Maloney had traveled from New York to Nevada in a rental vehicle.
License plate reader data tracked his cross-country route.
Investigators also revealed that he had recently been reported missing in New York and had communicated with family members shortly before the incident.
According to authorities, Maloney made statements referencing self-harm and expressing a desire to commit an act that would garner media attention.
In a message to his mother, he reportedly referred to himself as a “dead terrorist son” and stated he felt obligated to carry out the act.
A search of the suspect’s hotel room uncovered materials and literature consistent with preparations for a violent act. Investigators recovered books related to various extremist ideologies, including right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government movements.
Law enforcement also located explosive materials and components, including thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline.
A subsequent search of the rental vehicle revealed:
- Two shotguns
- An AR-style pistol
- Numerous loaded AR magazines containing .223 ammunition
- A box of shotgun shells
- Two devices described as flamethrowers containing thermite material
- A crowbar and a hatchet
- A cellular phone, which is currently undergoing forensic analysis
Authorities further confirmed that the suspect was wearing soft body armor at the time of the incident.
Officials stated the incident is being treated as a terrorism-related event, and the investigation remains active.
Additional details regarding the suspect’s motives and potential affiliations are still under review.
No additional injuries were reported in connection with the substation crash.
Authorities continue to assess the full scope of the suspect’s actions and any broader implications related to public safety.