Deaf man killed by Sheriff’s Deputy

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating after a Volusia County deputy shot and killed a man in Daytona Beach, authorities said.

Family members of 52-year-old Edward P. Miller man said he was deaf from a childhood illness.

Sheriff Ben Johnson said that Miller was “brandishing a firearm” outside a towing service on Saturday afternoon in Daytona Beach.

The Millers were trying to pick up a car from the towing service when an argument broke out. Deputy Joel Hernandez and another deputy were at the business on another matter when they heard a heated argument going on outside.

“I’m releasing cars and I have a gentleman that was coming to pick up his vehicle and they’re both drunk,” the 911 caller told dispatchers. “The younger man, I kicked him off the property twice now. I told them they’d have to wait their turn and they’re being belligerent and the younger man has a gun in the back side of him. I do not feel safe and I need an officer here.”

Sheriff’s spokesman Gary Davidson says Hernandez noticed Miller was armed, perceived a threat and fired. Both deputies are on leave pending the investigation.

Agencies/Canadajournal