By Anthony Payero
(DUNDEE, Fla.) A Polk County deputy suffered a serious injury Sunday after a "homemade explosive device" went off while he was responding to a call in Dundee, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, per WFLA.
Responding deputies launched an investigation at the Economy Motor Lodge around 9:30 p.m. The deputies later visited the nearby Monticello Motel, after they followed a woman involved in the incident who headed towards that property.
During the investigation, Marco Antonio Tolentino, who the sheriff’s office said was not involved in the initial situation, neared the scene on a bicycle and began talking with a deputy who arrived as backup. However, the sheriff’s office said Tolentino would not identify himself and that he was not carrying any identification.
The deputy continued the conversation with the 39-year-old Dundee local, asking if he had any illegal items with him. In response, Tolentino lifted his shirt and displayed a concealed pipe sticking out of his right pocket, according to WFLA.
Tolentino told the deputy the pipe was for protection and then reached down for it. The deputy told him to refrain and that he would retrieve the pipe himself, thinking it was a weapon.
The PCSO said Tolentino reached again and stepped back from the deputy. In doing so, the pipe came apart and let off a 12-gauge shotgun buckshot round into the deputy's hand and also struck Tolentino's hand and shoulder.
The explosive was identified as a zip gun by the PCSO. Officials described the weapon as two pieces of metal pipe held together to keep a single shotgun shell in place, which is fired when the pieces are pressed together.
According to WFLA, Tolentino told officials he made the explosive himself. The 39-year-old does not have a concealed carry license, per the PCSO. Officials searched his property and found multiple shotgun rounds in his room.
Tolentino and the responding deputy were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Dundee resident faces multiple charges including attempted felony murder, possessing or discharging a destructive device, resisting an officer with violence, carrying a concealed weapon/firearm and providing false info to a law enforcement officer.
The investigation remains active as three independent investigations are required due to the protocol for officer-involved shootings, despite no officials using their firearms in this case.