Haines City firefighters say a 79-year-old man became combative during treatment and produced a firearm

By Mark Price
Miami Herald

HAINES CITY, Fla. — Firefighters working to save a man ended up trying to save themselves when he came to and pulled a gun on them, Florida investigators say.

The incident happened around 10:20 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, after “a medical emergency” was reported at a home in Haines City, the Haines City Fire Department said in a news release.

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“Upon arrival, crews located a 79-year-old male lying on the floor. As Haines City Driver/Engineer Justin Keene and Polk County Firefighter/Paramedic Brandyn Harris began providing medical care, the patient suddenly became combative and produced a firearm placing the first responders in fear for their lives,” the department said.

“Keene and Harris, with the assistance of a family member who was present, quickly and safely disarmed the individual.”

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were summoned and the man has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a firefighter.

His identity was not released.

“Throughout the incident, both firefighters maintained their professionalism and composure, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome,” the fire department said.

Haines City is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Tampa .

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