Man Shot, Killed By Plantation Officer
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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A man, shot by a Plantation police officer after he allegedly struck the cop in the face, has died.
The scuffle between the two happened Sunday just before 9PM when officer Erik Carlton, on foot patrol, encountered the man behind the medical office building at 330 S State Road 7 and told him to leave.
The man, who is believed to be in his 50s, refused and then reportedly punched officer in the face.
"The officer discharged his Taser, which was ineffective and at some point in time, he discharged the firearm," said Plantation Police Det. Philip Toman.
Police did not elaborate whether that Taser malfunctioned, wasn't strong enough, or if Carlton missed.
Carlton suffered minor facial injuries, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was released.
The man, who was shot twice, according to investigators, was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where he died after surgery.
Police have not released the name of the man who died because they are still in the process of notifying his next of kin. However, Plantation police said the man has an extensive arrest record, which includes acts of violence towards law enforcement officers.
Carlton, a veteran officer who has been on the force since 2001, has been re-assigned to desk duty while the department's internal affairs investigates the shooting.
Toman told CBS4's Natalia Zea it has been years since a Plantation police officer has been involved in a shooting.
"It goes to show you this type of thing can happen no matter what city you work in. There's always that element of danger when doing this job."