Florida Department of Law Enforcement opens investigation into deputy-involved shooting in West Park after incident on June 1

Broward County, Florida – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday afternoon in the West Park area of Broward County. The incident, which took place on June 1 at approximately 12:22 p.m., has prompted a thorough inquiry by both the FDLE and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) to determine the events that led to the use of deadly force.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit, the incident began when BSO deputies responded to a disturbance involving a weapon at a residence located at 4017 S.W. 26th Street. Upon arrival, deputies encountered 32-year-old Joshua Gullatt, who was reportedly engaged in the altercation. The situation escalated quickly when Gullatt struck one of the deputies in the face, causing the deputy to fall to the ground.

In an attempt to subdue Gullatt, a second deputy deployed a Taser, but the effort proved unsuccessful. Gullatt then reportedly assaulted the second deputy before running into a bedroom in the residence, where he armed himself with a deadly weapon. Fearing for their safety and the safety of others, one of the deputies discharged their weapon, striking Gullatt.

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Following the shooting, deputies immediately provided medical aid to Gullatt. Paramedics arrived at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Gullatt’s injuries were not disclosed, but the BSO confirmed that he is receiving medical attention.

In addition to Gullatt’s injuries, the deputy who was initially struck in the face was also taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the deputy’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was later released after receiving medical care.

The FDLE is handling the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting, ensuring an independent and comprehensive review of the circumstances that led to the use of force. Meanwhile, BSO’s Homicide and Crime Scene units are conducting their own investigation into the chain of events, while BSO’s Internal Affairs Unit is reviewing the actions of the involved deputies.

As part of the standard protocol in such incidents, the deputy who fired their weapon is currently on administrative assignment pending the outcome of the investigation.

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Gullatt, who was arrested following the incident, faces multiple charges. He is being charged with two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of resisting arrest with violence, and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The FDLE’s investigation into the deputy-involved shooting is ongoing, and authorities have assured that further details will be released as they become available. The Broward Sheriff’s Office has also pledged full cooperation with the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.

This incident serves as a reminder of the volatile and unpredictable nature of law enforcement encounters, where split-second decisions can have serious consequences. As the investigation unfolds, both the public and law enforcement officials will be watching closely to understand the full scope of the events that transpired that afternoon in West Park.