Polk County Sheriff: Young Deputy Shot and Killed While Serving a Felony Meth Warrant

Published Oct. 4, 2022, 9:44 a.m. ET | Updated Oct. 4, 2022

Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office

POLK COUNTY (FLV) – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, who reportedly died in the line of duty while serving a felony meth warrant on Tuesday.

At 2:07 a.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip that 46-year-old Cheryl Lynn Williams, had an outstanding felony warrant for failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Sheriff Judd holds photo of 46-year-old Cheryl Lynn Williams at Press Conference (@polkcountysheriff)

Sergeant Michael Brooks, and Deputies Johnny Holsonback III, Adam Pennell, and Blane Lane arrived at the scene to serve the warrant, and at 3:08 a.m., they reported that shots were fired.

“It is my belief that in this early stage of the investigation – she [Williams] clearly and unequivocally wanted to put us into a gun fight with her, and/or a suicide by cop,” said Sheriff Grady Judd during the Press Conference.

Officials say the Deputies approached a “gaming” room and initially did not see anyone in the room.

Sheriff Judd says Williams then stepped into view armed with a silver handgun (later identified as a ‘very realistic BB gun’) which she immediately pointed at them. 

Shots were fired by Deputies and the Williams went down. Deputy Lane then reported that he had been shot in his arm.

“One of the Deputies, either Sgt. Brooks or Deputy Holsonback fired the fatal shot,” Sheriff Judd said.

“All of this breaks our heart, but in our early analysis, we find that Deputy Lane did exactly what he should have – was soundly positioned – allowed himself to have not only concealment but cover in the event it was a shootout at the door.”

Sheriff Judd says Lane took up a tactical position outside the trailer near the front side that afforded him the view of the door and windows to ensure that he would see the suspect in the event she tried to flee. 

Deputies interviewed the second witness after-the-fact, who told them that when Williams realized the deputies were there, she allegedly picked up the handgun and walked away from him. The witness told her, “You don’t want to do that,” and Williams replied, “Let them in,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Williams was transported to a local hospital to be treated for multiple gunshot wounds and will be charged with felony second degree murder, among other charges, upon her release.

Deputy Lane died at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. 

“He was living his dream, and certainly he was an immensely talented deputy,” said Judd.

Sheriff Judd says Lane has a 3-year-old child. Deputy Lane became a Deputy Sheriff in January 2022, and was assigned to the Northwest District Patrol. 

The Sheriff’s Office says this is an ongoing investigation and more details will be released at a later date.

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