On the evening of Monday, July 21, 2025, a tragic deputy-involved shooting in Bradford County, Florida, resulted in the death of Michael Lamar Crawford, a 39-year-old man (DOB 06/28/1986). The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has initiated a comprehensive investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, which unfolded after reports of threats and armed behavior at a local financial institution.

The sequence of events began late Sunday, July 20, 2025, when authorities received reports of threats directed at the Florida Credit Union’s call center in Starke. Efforts to locate Crawford, the suspected individual, were unsuccessful that day. On Monday afternoon, concern escalated when Crawford reportedly entered the Florida Credit Union branch on State Road 16 in Starke, openly carrying a handgun, which alarmed staff and prompted a swift law enforcement response.

Following additional intelligence, deputies from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office identified a residence on NW County Road 225, near State Road 16, where Crawford was believed to be staying with a family member. Reports from a relative indicated that Crawford had been exhibiting erratic behavior in the days leading up to the incident, raising concerns about a possible mental health crisis.

**Confrontation and Outcome**

Due to the potential threat posed by Crawford’s reported possession of firearms and his erratic behavior, multiple deputies were dispatched to the residence. Upon arrival, law enforcement attempted to engage Crawford peacefully, urging him to exit the home and comply with their directives. Crawford’s father safely left the residence during these efforts. However, Crawford emerged from the home carrying a shotgun.

According to authorities, Crawford briefly reentered the residence before stepping outside again, this time armed with a second long gun. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapons and attempts to de-escalate the situation, Crawford allegedly raised the firearms in a threatening manner. In response to the perceived imminent danger, several deputies discharged their firearms, striking Crawford. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two long guns were recovered from Crawford during the initial evidence collection.

**Investigation and Sheriff’s Response**

Sheriff Gordon Smith promptly requested that the FDLE assume responsibility for investigating the shooting to ensure an impartial and transparent process. FDLE Crime Scene Units have secured the area, which remains an active investigation site as evidence collection and witness interviews continue.

In a public statement, Sheriff Smith expressed the gravity of the situation: “No deputy ever wishes to use lethal force, but when faced with an armed individual posing an immediate threat to public safety and our officers, they must act decisively. This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.”

**Community Impact and Next Steps**

The incident has stirred significant concern in the Starke community, particularly given the reports of Crawford’s threatening behavior at the Florida Credit Union earlier that day. Local residents have expressed unease about the public display of firearms, while others, including Crawford’s family and community advocates, have called for increased mental health resources and scrutiny of potential missed opportunities for intervention.

The FDLE’s investigation is ongoing, with findings expected to be submitted to the State Attorney’s Office for review upon completion. This review will determine whether the deputies’ actions were justified under Florida law.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the investigation.

This incident underscores the complex challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety, mental health crises, and the use of force, as the community awaits further details from the FDLE’s thorough inquiry.