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Family says man shot by Volusia deputy was deaf

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating after a Volusia County deputy shot and killed a man in Daytona Beach, authorities said.

Family members of 52-year-old Edward P. Miller man said he was deaf from a childhood illness.

Sheriff Ben Johnson said that Miller was "brandishing a firearm" outside a towing service on Saturday afternoon in Daytona Beach.

Authorities said Miller and his son were trying to pick up a car from the towing service when an argument broke out.  Deputy Joel Hernandez and another deputy were at the business on another matter when they heard a heated argument going on outside.

Spokesman Gary Davidson says Hernandez noticed Miller was armed, perceived a threat, and then fired.

"Our deputy fired, fatally wounding the individual," said Johnson.

Miller died at the scene.

Both deputies are on leave pending the investigation.

The shooting remains under investigation by the sheriff's office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Hernandez has been with the department since 2003.

According to records, he has been involved in a previous shooting near Ormond Beach, which was found to be justified.