Palmetto police shooting incident

A man experiencing a mental health crisis was fatally shot by Palmetto Police after he allegedly pointed a rifle at officers, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the home of 47-year-old Daniel McClelland, located in the 700 block of Eighth Street West in Palmetto. Officers were responding to reports that McClelland had made suicidal statements, and he had reportedly threatened to “force officers to shoot him” if they arrived.

Upon their arrival, officers say McClelland initially retreated into his home but soon re-emerged with a rifle. Despite commands to drop the weapon, McClelland allegedly pointed it at the officers. In response, one of the officers fired, striking McClelland, Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler reported.

Officers administered life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and transported McClelland to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The exact time of his death has not been disclosed by police. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the shooting, Chief Tyler said.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing, Tyler added.