Deputy-involved shooting near Lakeland leaves armed Vietnam veteran dead: PCSO

SOCRUM, Fla. - A deputy-involved shooting near Lakeland left a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran dead Tuesday evening, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

What we know:

Deputies say the shooting happened in the 2900 block of Socrum Loop Road West. 

Sheriff Grady Judd identified the man as Ronald Breese, who had no known criminal history or prior Baker Act incidents.

Investigators say Breese called the Veterans Crisis Line earlier Tuesday afternoon, telling operators he had five guns in his home and intended to harm himself. Deputies were dispatched to the home for a reported suicide attempt, and were told Breese’s wife was also at the home.

When deputies arrived, they found Breese sitting in a chair on his porch with a gun to his head. Officials say deputies tried to de-escalate the situation and talk Breese into putting the weapon down.

Dig deeper:

During the standoff, Breese’s wife, Janice, 71, drove up the home's driveway in a vehicle and jumped out, before running toward her husband. Deputies say she did not follow commands to stop, prompting one deputy to drop a protective shield and stop her before she could reach her husband.

Deputies say Breese then suddenly stood up and fired at least one shot toward deputies.

Four deputies returned fire, three using handguns and one using a long rifle, hitting Breese, PCSO said.

Deputies immediately began rendering aid, but Breese was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff's office.

What we don't know:

Judd said it is still unclear what led to Breese’s actions, though preliminary information suggests he had been drinking orange juice mixed with vodka earlier in the day and may have been upset over a business deal.

What's next:

Janice was not injured and is currently speaking with detectives as part of the investigation. No deputies were injured in the shooting, the sheriff's office said.

PCSO says additional information will be released as it becomes available.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.