A Florida man was hospitalized after being shot by police in the Orlando area for brandishing what appeared to be a realistic rifle. Authorities later identified the weapon as a BB gun that strongly resembled a real firearm.
The incident occurred midday Thursday near a busy shopping center in Kissimmee, when officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man armed with a rifle. Police Chief Charles Broadway said the man, later identified as 20-year-old Matthew Wagner, was confronted by responding officers.
According to Chief Broadway, Wagner ignored several loud commands from police to drop the weapon. He then allegedly pointed the gun toward the officers, prompting them to fire in what Broadway called a necessary act of self-defense.
“The subject then pointed this rifle at the officers, and at that time, the officers were forced to shoot the subject to defend themselves and others in the area,” Broadway explained during a press briefing. He also noted that the officers provided immediate medical aid to Wagner until emergency responders arrived.
Wagner was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that the firearm involved was not a real rifle, but rather a BB gun with a highly realistic design.
“An early review of the evidence found the rifle to be a BB gun that resembled a realistic-looking rifle,” said Broadway. “It created a dangerous scenario where officers had no way of knowing it wasn’t a real threat.”
The three officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are now conducting an independent investigation into the matter.
“We do not yet know the motive or why the individual pointed the rifle at our officers,” Broadway said. “I’m thankful that none of our officers were injured. I want to commend them for their fast and measured response in an intense situation.”
Dexter Brown, a witness at the scene, described Wagner’s behavior as unusual. “I [saw] a young man with a gun in his hand… and he looked like he was looking up at the trees,” Brown told Fox35 Orlando. “He was walking very slow… like he was hunting for birds or squirrels or whatever. I don’t know what it was.”
As of now, it remains unclear whether Wagner will face criminal charges. Authorities are continuing to gather more information as the investigation progresses.
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