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Armed man confronted Lakeland officers naked before being shot, police say

LAKELAND, Fla. — A 44-year-old Lakeland man was shot by officers late Monday after he confronted them naked, carrying a 40-caliber handgun, police said.

Wesley Lee Cook was listed in critical condition Tuesday.

The incident started when Cook’s girlfriend contacted police, asking for officers to go with her to the home she and Cook were sharing so she could retrieve her personal belongings.

She called from a nearby 7-Eleven, because Cook took her cellphone, the woman told police.

Lakeland police Officers Paul Dunn and David Bell accompanied the woman to the home in the 1500 block of Turtle Rock Drive. When they knocked on the door and rang the doorbell, the officers reported they could see Cook through a window with a gun as he approached the door.

When Cook opened the door, officers said he was naked and holding a large-caliber handgun.

They ordered him to drop the gun, and when Cook refused, Dunn opened fire, hitting the man four times, police said.

While Cook was being treated at the scene, he remained combative and continued to refuse to obey commands from officers, police said.

He also said he did not want any medical treatment, despite his numerous gunshot wounds, police said.

Dunn, 46, has worked for the department for two years. He was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting.

Currently, Cook has not been charged with a crime, police said.