WILTON MANORS, Fla. – The wife of a man who was shot by Wilton Manors police Wednesday after officers responded to what they called a domestic disturbance released a statement to Local 10 overnight, giving her side of the story.
“For the time being I would just like for it to be abundantly clear that I never called 911 for a domestic disturbance. I called non emergency because my husband took a walk outside to unwind and I was unable to reach him via phone,” Sariya Stroud said. “After 2 hours I started to worry. When he came home safe and sound I called non emergency again to let them know he returned home and all was well.”
According to Stroud, her husband, Larry Stroud, went to the front door of their home, in the area of Northeast 26th Street and North Andrews Avenue, with his gun around 4 a.m. after he heard loud knocking.
“My husband was on the couch when he heard loud knocks on the door from an unknown source at 4AM that did not announce their presence,” Sariya Stroud said. “He was unaware of my calling to the police. He proceeded to see what the threat was outside as I was yelling it’s the police! As he opened the door with our home defense weapon in tow he was struck multiple times by police.”
Police confirmed to Local 10 News that officers encountered an armed man at the front door of the home when they arrived, leading to the officer-involved shooting.
“My husband is an amazing man and was trying to protect his home from an unknown threat,” Sariya Stroud said. “He never once shot at police.”
According to police, officers immediately began rendering aid to Stroud’s husband until a Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue crew arrived.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials confirmed that first responders transported the man to Broward Health Medical Center as a trauma patient.
Police said he was listed in critical condition on Wednesday. According to Sariya Stroud, her husband will undergo another surgery Thursday.
Wilton Manors police confirmed no officers were injured in the shooting. They said they are conducting a criminal investigation into the alleged domestic disturbance with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
WMPD said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the police shooting.