A tense mental health call in Lakeland, Florida, ended in tragedy Tuesday after a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran was shot and killed during a confrontation with deputies, according to authorities.
Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies were dispatched to a home on Socrum Loop Road West after Ronald Breese called a veteran crisis line, expressing intent to harm himself. Officials were also informed that Breese had multiple firearms and had been drinking with his wife before making the call.
When deputies arrived, they found Breese sitting on his porch with a gun to his head. Law enforcement officers immediately attempted to calm the situation, working to de-escalate and prevent harm.
The situation escalated when Breese’s wife returned home and approached him despite deputies urging her to stop. Deputy Emily Sidor intervened and pulled her away from danger.
Moments later, Breese stood up and fired at least one shot toward deputies, officials said. Four deputies — Christopher Bellido, Drew Kennedy, Daniel Roque, and Dillon Wrenn — returned fire.
Breese was struck and later died at the scene despite first aid efforts.
Sheriff Judd stated that deputies acted to protect themselves and Breese’s wife, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation and the efforts made to resolve it peacefully.
Authorities confirmed Breese had no prior criminal record or documented history of mental health intervention. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
