Joshua Lee Walker, Bartow Police Officers Identified in April 17, 2025, Officer-Involved Shooting on Polk Street East
On the evening of April 17, 2025, an officer-involved shooting occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow, Florida. The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds: Joshua Lee Walker, the suspect; a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer; and a Public Safety Aide (PSA) officer. Emergency medical services were promptly dispatched to the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims. The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene. Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.
Joshua Lee Walker’s Background
Joshua Lee Walker, aged 32, was identified as the suspect involved in the officer-involved shooting. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Walker had an extensive criminal history, including eight prior felony convictions and several active warrants at the time of the incident. Sheriff Grady Judd described him as a “thug” and a “sorry individual who wanted to create all kinds of havoc in the community.” Prior to the shooting, Walker was involved in a series of criminal activities, including carjackings and vehicle collisions. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center following the shooting but later succumbed to his injuries. The Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force for the 10th Judicial Circuit is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Bartow Police Officers Involved
The two Bartow Police Department officers involved in the shooting have not been publicly identified. Following the incident, both officers were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. Sheriff Grady Judd commended the officers for their actions during the incident, stating that they “protected the community.” The investigation into the officers’ actions is ongoing.
Investigation and Public Response
The Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force for the 10th Judicial Circuit is handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction. Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Community Impact
The officer-involved shooting has had a significant impact on the Bartow community. Residents have expressed concern over the incident, and local authorities are working to ensure that the investigation is thorough and transparent. Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the importance of community safety, stating that the officers’ actions were justified in protecting the public from a dangerous individual.
Conclusion
The officer-involved shooting on April 17, 2025, in Bartow, Florida, remains under investigation. Authorities are working diligently to gather all relevant information and ensure that justice is served. The identities of the officers involved have not been released, and further details are expected to be made public as the investigation progresses.
