Joseph Fuller, 24, fatally shot by BSO detective

Friends say Fuller recently served 3-year prison term

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – A man who was fatally shot by a Broward Sheriff's Office detective in Oakland Park on Tuesday was identified the next day as Joseph Fuller, 24.

The BSO also identified the detective involved in the shooting as Clyde Davis, 48. Davis has been with the BSO since December 1993.

During a news conference, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said Fuller was shot during a struggle after he reached for a large revolver in his SUV.

Israel said the incident began after a deputy attempted to pull the man over in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95. Israel said the suspect pulled over, exchanged words with the deputy and then took off.

The sheriff said his deputy did not pursue the vehicle per BSO pursuit policy, but he got the license plate information and notified authorities of the man's identity and place of residence.

Israel said another deputy recognized the suspect's vehicle in Oakland Park and tried to pull him over. Israel said the suspect fled yet again.

Later, a detective spotted the suspect and followed him to the Floranada Apartments, where the detective attempted to take him into custody, but the man would not get out of the vehicle, Israel said.

A struggle ensued after the man pulled out a gun, and the detective was forced to fire, Israel said.

Fuller was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center.

The suspect's friend told Local 10 News reporter Terrell Forney that he had been released from prison late last year after spending three years behind bars.

"He didn't have his gun in his hand and he did not fire his weapon," the woman said. "So, I mean, I understand he took off on the police twice already, but there's other ways to go about things."

Israel called the incident a "justified shooting" and said each deputy followed proper protocol.

The sheriff said Fuller was on felony probation for numerous charges, including weapon and drug charges.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.