Polk deputy opens fire on suspect armed with knife

Officials say a Polk County deputy was forced to open fire on a suspect who they say charged at him with a large knife Friday evening.

Deputies were dispatched to a home on Beechwood Avenue in Lake Wales shortly after 8:30 p.m. for a man who was acting unruly and threatening to kill himself, officials say. The caller told law enforcement the man had been breaking things inside the home.

Once on scene, the deputy could hear a ruckus and asked that the man come outside, but he refused. Officials say the deputy approached an open sliding glass door and was speaking with the suspect when he pulled out a large knife. The deputy demanded he drop the knife, but instead the suspect charged towards him, according to investigators.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Robert Goodwin, was shot by the deputy. He was rushed to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he is listed in critical, but stable condition. The deputy was not injured.

Officials say the incident remains under investigation. The deputy was identified as Jacob Durrance and he's been with PCSO since January of 2011. Deputy Durrance was placed on administrative leave, which is typical procedure.