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Fight erupts at vigil for man who died after confrontation with Clermont police

CLERMONT, Fla. — WFTV was there Wednesday night as a fight broke out at a candlelight vigil for a Clermont man who died after pointing a gun at a police officer.

Wednesday night, family and friends of Joshua Waldron, 21, gathered to share their memories of him.

Waldron was shot and later died after police said he pulled a gun on veteran officer James Rooney.

Waldron was approached by the officer, because he was smoking in a park across from Clermont Elementary School on Tuesday and police said when Waldron pulled a gun, the officer shot at him.

As WFTV reporter Kenneth Craig started talking Waldron's family at Wednesday's vigil a fight broke out in the middle of the street. Friends said the fight started when Waldron's ex-girlfriend unexpectedly showed up.

Police rushed to the scene and tried to break up the crowd.

Waldron's mother said Tuesday's events have everyone on edge.

"It's total chaos. The proof was right here," said Waldron's mother Tina Hobson.

Police said it's possible Waldron may have shot himself. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation and family members said they don't know what to believe.

"I have to go on and live my life, because my son was senselessly murdered and taken away from me," Hobson said.

His family said Waldron is a father who, despite drug charges in his past, had turned his life around.

"Quit the drugs, quit drinking, raising his little boy," said Waldron's brother-in-law David Bires.

Rooney has been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.