Wanted Felon Accused Of Strangling Woman Was Shot By Winter Haven Police
This is a follow-up to the initial release of the officer-involved shooting in Winter Haven this morning.
On 11/10/22 at approximately 3:52 a.m., officers responded to an apartment at Haven at Lake Deer involving a female who had been strangled and pushed into a wall by 43 year-old Jason Pickles (DOB 5/19/79). Pickles had an outstanding warrant from an incident that occurred on 10/25/22 for Felony Battery Prior Conviction.
When officers arrived, Pickles had already left the property. A complaint affidavit was issued for Pickles regarding this case. Through the early morning hours, officers continued to monitor the location and when Pickles returned to the apartment, officers attempted to have him step out of his vehicle.
Pickles refused to exit the vehicle and sped off. Officers located Pickles again in an apartment complex parking lot when Pickles sped through the parking area towards one of the officers. The officer, in fear for his safety and safety of the public, fired his department-issued weapon striking Pickles.
Pickles continued through the lot striking another vehicle and ultimately exited the Haven at Lake Deer Apartments lot.
Officers were able to block him in at the parking area of the Wellington Condominiums along Lake Howard Drive.
Once Pickles was secured officers began treating his injuries until EMS personnel arrived, Pickles was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life threatening injuries.
After being released from the hospital, Pickles will be charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest with Violence.
The 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Shooting Team is currently investigating the shooting with the State Attorney’s Office overseeing the investigation. The Winter Haven Police Department will conduct an internal administrative investigation, which is standard procedure.
(The officers’ names are not being released due to Marsy’s Law.)
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
Due to the ongoing investigation, there will be nothing more released at this time.
Original Update:
Winter Haven Police are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning. No officers are injured and the suspect has non-life-threatening injuries and has been taken to the hospital for treatment.
The incident location is at the Haven of Lake Deer Apartments (350 24th St. NW). The suspect, Jason Pickles (DOB 5-19-79) has a long and violent criminal history and currently had a warrant for his arrest.
The investigation is being turned over to the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Shooting Team.
