LAKELAND, Fla. – A Lakeland family is demanding answers after a 55-year-old man with medical conditions was seriously injured during a police encounter stemming from a shoplifting accusation at a local Save A Lot.
Anjelica Lee, the man’s daughter, claims her father, Joseph Lee, was falsely accused of stealing a banana while experiencing muscle cramps from an infection. He reportedly paid for four bananas but ate one on the way to the register, informing the cashier of the situation.
According to Lee, a female employee followed Mr. Lee and continued accusing him of theft even after he explained himself. Lee confronted the employee, fearing for her father’s safety, and retrieved a bat from her car to deter further harassment. Though she denies threatening the employee, police were called.
Eight police vehicles arrived, with officers reportedly drawing their guns and demanding Mr. Lee exit his daughter’s car. Despite Mr. Lee’s warning to his daughter about potential police action, officers swarmed him, allegedly slamming him onto the vehicle. Lee reportedly cried out in pain, stating he couldn’t breathe.
Anjelica Lee witnessed the incident and was subsequently detained herself. She claims her father was later seen lying injured on the road with officers on top of him. His last words to her, she recalls through tears, were cries for help and pleas that he couldn’t breathe.
Police reports offer a differing account. They state Mr. Lee was standing near the car, interfering with the investigation, and refused to step away despite repeated requests. He was arrested for resisting arrest without violence.
However, police acknowledge Mr. Lee complained of chest pain and a pre-existing medical condition while in their custody. They claim to have promptly called for medical assistance, which arrived within minutes.
Mr. Lee is currently hospitalized and has reportedly lost the ability to speak. The family is seeking legal counsel and demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. The Save A Lot employee involved has not been publicly identified, and the Lakeland Police Department remains tight-lipped pending further investigation.
This unfolding case raises critical questions about police conduct, racial profiling, and the treatment of individuals with medical conditions. As details continue to emerge, the Lakeland community awaits answers and demands justice for the Lee family.
