Fort Lauderdale Police Shoot, Kill Armed Man During Call

The incident occurred on Chateau Park Drive after officers responded to a disturbance call.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Fort Lauderdale Police shot and killed an armed adult man on Saturday, February 14th, after the suspect fired a weapon during an encounter with officers who had responded to a disturbance call in the 900 block of Chateau Park Drive. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading an independent investigation into the use of force, while Fort Lauderdale Police conduct an internal review.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings are a sensitive and complex issue, often requiring multiple parallel investigations to determine the facts and whether policies were followed. This incident highlights the challenges police face when responding to potentially volatile situations and the need for thorough, independent reviews to maintain public trust.

The details

According to the initial police statement, officers were dispatched around 12:30 pm to the 900 block of Chateau Park Drive to address a disturbance call. While on the scene, an armed adult male who was not involved in the original call approached the officers. During an encounter with the officers, the suspect fired a weapon, prompting three Fort Lauderdale Police officers to discharge their firearms and strike the suspect. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026 around 12:30 pm.
  • The suspect was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Fort Lauderdale Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the disturbance call and was involved in the shooting incident.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

The state agency leading the independent investigation into the use of force by the Fort Lauderdale Police officers.

Suspect

An armed adult male who approached the officers and fired a weapon during the encounter, leading to the fatal shooting.

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What’s next

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will continue its independent investigation into the use of force, collecting evidence and presenting findings to the appropriate authorities. Fort Lauderdale Police will also conduct an internal review of the incident, as required by department policy.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the complex and sensitive nature of officer-involved shootings, which require thorough, independent investigations to determine the facts and ensure accountability. The outcome of these parallel reviews will be crucial for maintaining public trust in law enforcement and understanding the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter.