Deputy Fatally Shoots Stabbing Suspect in Leesburg

Authorities say the deputy located the suspect and shot him during an encounter.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker, such as a numbered placard, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A police investigation into a violent crime scene exposes the harsh realities faced by law enforcement.Leesburg Today

A Lake County deputy fatally shot a suspect identified as Timotheus Reed after responding to a reported stabbing incident in Leesburg, Florida. Deputies and police were called to the scene around 6:19 a.m. on April 12 and bystanders directed them to the direction the suspect fled. The deputy later located Reed and shot him during an encounter, authorities said. The suspect was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement face when responding to violent crimes and the potential for deadly force to be used. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure.

The details

According to authorities, a 911 caller reported a stabbing with multiple stab wounds in the 2400 block of Montclair Road in Leesburg. Bystanders pointed deputies in the direction the alleged suspect, Timotheus Reed, had fled. A deputy later located Reed and shot him during an encounter. Reed was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

  • The 911 call came in around 6:19 a.m. on April 12, 2026.
  • The deputy-involved shooting occurred shortly after the deputy located the suspect.

The players

Timotheus Reed

The suspect who was fatally shot by a Lake County deputy after a reported stabbing incident.

Lake County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported stabbing and whose deputy was involved in the shooting.

Leesburg Police Department

The local police department that also responded to the reported stabbing incident.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The state agency that will investigate the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the deputy-involved shooting, and the deputy who fired the shot will be placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the difficult and potentially deadly situations law enforcement can face when responding to violent crimes. The investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will aim to determine if the deputy's use of force was justified.