GPD Officer Shoots Man Armed With Hedge Trimmer

Updated June 2

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) announced Saturday night that a shooting involving an officer occurred in the area of NW 34th ST and NW 21st PL. Roughly four hours following their original press release GPD gave an update.

GPD states in their update that they received calls from someone in the area who reported a man threatening him with a chainsaw. GPD arrived on the scene to find the man armed with a hedge trimmer.

The update goes on to report, "Preliminary investigation indicates that the subject refused to comply with Officers' commands. Several attempts to de-escalate the situation were unsuccessful. The subject lunged toward the Officers, forcing them to retreat. One Officer fired their service weapon, striking the subject multiple times."

GPD said the man was brought to the hospital and is in a stabilized condition. He will be charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

No officers were injured during this incident.

GPD has not announced the name of the person shot.

An investigation into this incident will be turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.