LAKELAND, FL (970 WFLA) - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has identified the suspect in this morning's deputy-involved shooting in the area of Highway 33 and Combee Rd. in Lakeland.
Joshua Imhoff, 32, is listed in critical, but stable condition at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Judd says Imhoff is a career criminal, having spent stints in state prison in both 2009 and 2013.
Judd says the chase started on I-4 before 6 a.m., following a domestic disturbance.
The suspect first fired shots at an unmarked sheriff's vehicle following him. Deputies returned fire.
After deputies were able to run the suspect's vehicle off the road, more shots were exchanged as the suspect fled on foot.
Deputies caught up to the suspect in their vehicle, knocking the suspect down with the car door.
The suspect got up and brandished a knife. Deputies then shot Imhoff.
"He was prepared to die in a gunfight," Judd said. "And our deputies shot him after he shot at us."
Judd adds that Imhoff was carrying a .45-caliber firearm with at least two magazines, as well as two knives.
No deputies were hurt.
Photo Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office