POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A disagreement turned deadly in Lake Wales as a young man was shot and killed during an altercation on Tuesday, as reported by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The incident, which took place around 7 p.m., involved 21-year-old Vincent Thomas Jr. and at least three other individuals arriving at a residence on Northside Drive.
During the confrontation, Thomas Jr. allegedly exited the vehicle armed with a handgun, threatening a 20-year-old man outside the home. The sheriff’s office revealed that the 20-year-old, identified as a resident of the property, had a prior connection to Thomas Jr., having attended Lake Wales High School together. An escalated disagreement seemed to be the catalyst for the fatal altercation.
In response to the threat, the 20-year-old resident armed himself with a rifle and fired multiple shots at Thomas Jr., hitting him at least twice. Thomas was then rushed to the hospital by his companions, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Following the incident, two of the individuals who transported Thomas were arrested on charges of tampering with evidence and providing false information during an investigation.
The resident who fired the fatal shots cooperated with authorities and remained at the scene. Subsequently, he was also taken into custody as the investigation unfolds. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office noted that the case remains under active investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the process.
Anyone with pertinent information regarding the incident is encouraged to reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers through various contact methods. The community is urged to contribute any details that might aid in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
As the investigation into the fatal shooting continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events that led to this unfortunate outcome. The cooperation of the community and potential witnesses is crucial in uncovering the truth behind the altercation that resulted in the loss of a young life in Lake Wales.