JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the man who was killed by an officer late Friday night outside of Walmart at the River City Marketplace sprayed hornet spray at the officer's face and body.
Police were originally dispatched to a disturbance call at the Walmart on City Square Drive after 10 p.m. Friday.
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After settling the initial disturbance peacefully, Officer S. Doreseliun was informed by a Walmart employee about another man inside the store creating a disturbance, JSO Chief of Investigations T.K. Waters said.
The employee said that man, who JSO has identified as 37-year-old Bruce William Clark, was acting aggressive and making other employees feel uncomfortable. Clark was asked to leave by employees, but refused.
A security guard at Walmart told Doreseliun to be careful, as Clark was seen armed inside the store previously.
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When Clark eventually left the building, Doreseliun approached him on the sidewalk in front of the store. At that time, Clark crouched down as if he was hiding something, keeping one hand out of the officer's view, Waters said.
Waters said Clark then turned toward Doreseliun, spraying him in the face and body with what was later found to be a can of wasp and hornet spray. The officer then fired three shots, killing the man.
Waters said Clark was also armed with a 15-inch baton and a knife.
Doreseliun has been with the Sheriff's Office for three and a half years and this is his first officer-involved shooting.
Waters said Clark has been held under the Baker Act twice locally.
The Baker Act allows a person to be involuntarily committed if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.
Clark's criminal history in Maine includes carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, theft, DUI and violation of probation, Waters said.
Doreseliun did not have a body-worn camera at the time of the incident, as he had not been issued one yet, Waters said.
"In these types of situations, when an officer ... approaches someone, once he becomes incapacitated, that encounter becomes an armed encounter for both individuals. Officer Doreseliun, knowing that, reverted back to his training and had to use deadly force in this situation," Waters said.
Waters said Doreseliun was not hurt, just shaken up. No one at Walmart was injured.
Doreseliun has been placed on administrative leave, per JSO policy, as the investigation continues.
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