OSCOELA COUNTY, Fla. — An investigation is ongoing after a deadly deputy shooting in Central Florida.
It occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the Walmart store located at 904 Cypress Parkway in Poinciana, Florida.
According to authorities, an Osceola County Sheriff’s deputy was working an off-duty detail at the Walmart when the store’s loss prevention officer informed the deputy of a male suspect who had concealed items and was heading toward the doors without paying.
When the deputy, who was in full uniform, approached the suspect, he fled back into the store.
Authorities said that suspect, who has since been identified as Jairus Jones, 16, had a gun in his hand as he was running toward other customers, and deputies commanded him to drop the weapon.
They said Jones did not comply, the deputy opened fire, fatally shooting Jones.
Two additional men fled from the store as this was all happening, and they have been identified as Jones’ older brother and a juvenile friend.
Deputies said it was too early to determine what their role was in the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
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