LAKELAND, Fla. — A man was shot and killed by police officers during a standoff late Monday in Lakeland after he allegedly raised his weapon and pointed it at officers, Channel 9 has learned.
The Lakeland Police Department responded to the Kathryn Avenue home shortly after 5 p.m. after learning of a potential suicide.
Authorities said 61-year-old James Monroe had notified a former in-law, who in turn called the police.
Officers and the SWAT team arrived and saw a man armed with a rifle through the front window. They were able to make contact with Monroe via cellphone, at which time he repeatedly made threats that he wanted law enforcement to shoot him.
"All night we were begging this guy to come out so we could resolve this and pretty much do whatever he wanted, whatever his request was," said Lakeland police Sgt. Gary Gross. "He repeadeatly made comments through the five hours that he wanted us to take his life."
At about 11 p.m., police said Monroe pointed a gun at the officers and was shot by several members of the SWAT team.
"He came out and he pointed it at the officers, a classic, I hate to say it, a classic suicide by cop," said Gross.
It's unknown at this time how many rounds were fired or how many officers fired their weapons.
As officers went inside the home, Monroe's wife, Susan Monroe, 57, was also found dead. Authorities said they don’t believe she shot herself and was dead prior to officers arriving at the home.
"It appears at least a day at this point," said Gross.
On Dec. 16, the Lakeland Police Department responded to the home after James Monroe complained of the DEA hiding in his attic.
Susan Monroe said she felt her husband needed medication for his behavior.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Lakeland Regional Medical center for involuntary treatment under the Florida Baker Act.