Deputies and DeLand police responded to a deputy-involved shooting on May 9 in the parking lot of the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 955 S. Woodland Blvd.
The incident began the previous night when a reckless driver fled from DeLand Police Department officers. Deputies said the driver nearly struck a pedestrian in downtown DeLand before fleeing, turning off headlights, running red lights, and heading west on State Road 44. Law enforcement officers continued to pursue the vehicle.
Around 4:30 a.m., deputies located the vehicle at the Neighborhood Walmart. As deputies approached, the driver accelerated and attempted to flee again. According to officials, one deputy fired a shot through the windshield, striking the driver. The vehicle then traveled a short distance across the parking lot before crashing.
The driver was transported to a hospital and later pronounced deceased. Authorities reported that no other injuries occurred during this incident.
As of now, officials have closed off access to the shopping center parking lot for public safety reasons. Authorities said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
