BARTOW, FL – A domestic dispute turned violent outside a Bartow store on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old man after a confrontation with law enforcement. Deputies and local police were called to the scene following a family altercation that escalated alarmingly, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident, which unfolded around 5:30 p.m., began earlier that day in Fort Meade. Wayne Volz, the man involved, reportedly engaged in a heated argument with his parents at their residence. The situation intensified as Volz allegedly attacked his mother, striking her with a firearm, and knocked down his father during his attempt to intervene, authorities said.

Volz’s troubling behavior continued throughout the day as he reportedly held his parents captive, confiscating their cell phones and making alarming claims about his identity. He referred to himself as “Jesus and God” and labeled his mother “the devil,” according to police accounts. In response, Volz’s father maintained that they were people of faith and challenged his son’s assertions.

The tension escalated further when Volz accompanied his father to his workplace at a Bartow Lowe’s store, purportedly with intentions of committing violence. Volz’s father managed to alert store employees about the danger, prompting them to call 911 and hide him from his son.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Volz outside the Lowe’s and issued commands for him to surrender. When Volz opted to flee, a confrontation ensued during which he allegedly opened fire, targeting a sheriff’s office vehicle and injuring deputy Edwin Alexander, officials shared.

Responding officers returned fire, and during the exchange, officer Mark Sills was struck in the chest. Volz was subsequently subdued, transported to a local hospital, and succumbed to his injuries later, authorities confirmed.

Both the injured officer and deputy were hospitalized and are expected to recover fully. Sheriff Grady Judd characterized Volz as having a history of drug problems.

In accordance with protocol, the Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force, alongside the Administrative Investigations Unit, will review the incident. An autopsy is being conducted by the Polk County Medical Examiner to officially determine the cause of Volz’s death.

As investigations proceed, authorities aim to piece together details of the volatile encounter which brought a tragic end to the day’s conflict.