FDLE investigates a deputy-involved shooting in Central Broward near Fort Lauderdale after a suspect fired a weapon at law enforcement officers

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently investigating a deputy-involved shooting that took place Sunday evening in unincorporated Central Broward, near Fort Lauderdale. Authorities say the incident involved a Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputy and a suspect who was armed during the encounter.

According to BSO Homicide Unit detectives, the situation began around 5:35 p.m. when Broward County Regional Communications received a report of a possible disturbance. The caller reported that a man was walking around with a firearm in the presence of children and might have been under the influence of drugs.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they were told by witnesses that the suspect, later identified as Edward Jerrel Dolison, had retreated into his residence while still armed. Detectives noted that two other individuals were also inside the home. Deputies immediately established a perimeter around the residence and maintained continuous commands, instructing Dolison to exit with the firearm safely.

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Dolison eventually stepped outside, still holding a gun in his hand. Detectives said he then pressed the firearm to his own head and ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon. At one point, he ran back inside the residence, where at least one person remained inside. According to investigators, a deputy moved toward the open front door and made visual contact with Dolison. At that moment, Dolison allegedly fired his weapon, prompting the deputy to discharge their firearm in response.

After the shooting, deputies entered the residence and found Dolison on the living room floor, still in possession of a firearm. The weapon was removed, and Dolison was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives recovered two firearms inside the home, including one with a scratched-off serial number.

The FDLE has taken over the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. BSO’s Homicide and Crime Scene units are also conducting a separate investigation into the events leading up to the incident. Additionally, BSO’s Internal Affairs Unit is performing an administrative review to examine departmental procedures and ensure proper protocols were followed.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative assignment while the investigation proceeds. Law enforcement officials emphasized that no further details about the deputy or the suspect’s background are being released at this time, pending the completion of the review.

The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death, which is a standard procedure in cases involving law enforcement shootings.

This incident marks the latest in a series of deputy-involved shootings that have drawn public attention across Florida. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to remain patient while investigations are underway, noting that the FDLE operates independently to provide transparency and ensure that the facts are thoroughly examined.

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Officials have also highlighted the complexity of situations involving firearms and multiple people in a residence. In this case, deputies faced the challenge of containing a potentially dangerous suspect while protecting the safety of bystanders and the individuals still inside the home.

No other injuries were reported during the incident. Law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with information about the case to come forward and cooperate with investigators as the process unfolds.

As the FDLE and BSO conduct their investigations, the focus remains on both accountability and transparency, with agencies emphasizing that proper procedures and thorough review are essential when evaluating any law enforcement-involved shooting.

The Broward community, like many across the state, continues to grapple with the balance between public safety and the use of force in high-risk situations. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement officers who must make split-second decisions in unpredictable and potentially life-threatening circumstances.