EAGLE LAKE, Fla. – A man who used a hammer to attack his wife was fatally shot by a Polk County deputy Saturday morning, according to Polk County Sheriff’s office.

Officials say around 6:50 a.m. PCSO was dispatched to a domestic battery call in the Eagle Lake area. According to deputies, a 61-year-old woman reported being severely beaten by her husband of 52 years, Charles Franklin Edwards Jr.

Authorities say the 911 operator heard Edwards beat the woman and she begged the operator for help.

When Deputy Sheriff Christopher Johnston arrived at the scene, the sheriff’s office says he heard the victim screaming for help and saw the suspect attack the victim with a large hammer once inside. Johnston told Edwards to drop the gun and surrender several times, according to deputies.

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When his commands were ignored, Johnston deployed his Taser, but Edwards pulled out the Taser probes and aggressively ran at Johnston with the hammer raised and attempted to strike the deputy, according to the PCSO.

The sheriff’s office says Johnston was forced to shoot the “violent and enraged” suspect who was hit at least twice. Deputies say they tried to save Edwards’ life, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The victim is being treated for significant injuries at the hospital and is expected to survive, according to officials.

Investigators say Charles Edwards Jr. had an extensive criminal history dating back to 2003 in the states of Tennessee, Michigan, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

According to the PCSO, his previous charges include:

• Possession with Intent to Sell Narcotics (WV, MI and TN)
• Resistance to Arrest (MI)
• Assault (MI x2)
• Modification of Evidence (MI)
• Obstructing Law Enforcement (MI)
• Fleeing/fleeing from law enforcement (MI)

“Domestic violence calls are one of the most dangerous situations law enforcement officers respond to. This is a stark reminder of how dangerous domestic violence calls can end. This violent and enraged suspect intended to kill his wife and was prevented from doing so by ours. we pray that the victim recovers from his significant injuries,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

Authorities say Deputy Johnston has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 7 years.

As per standard protocol, the PCSO says four investigations are currently underway: an independent investigation by the Judicial Circuit Officers Involved in Fatal Incident (OIDI) Task Force; an internal investigation by the PCSO’s Administrative Investigations Unit; the Polk County Medical Examiner performs the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death; and all investigative findings are forwarded to the 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office for investigation and review.

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