Authorities in Escambia County, Florida have released the name of the man fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy early Saturday morning after they say he attacked them with a meat cleaver.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says 65-year-old John Young, a resident of the Alabaster Garden Apartments, called 911 to report that someone had been murdered inside one of the apartments. When deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered Young holding a meat cleaver and another sharp object.
According to officials, Young refused repeated commands to drop the weapons and then charged at the deputies, who fired, striking him. He died at the scene.
State Investigators Take Over
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assumed control of the investigation, which is standard procedure in deputy-involved shootings. The sheriff’s office has not said whether the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave.
Details about the reported murder that prompted the original 911 call have not been released as FDLE works to piece together the sequence of events inside the apartment complex.