Florida Politician Who Shot Man at Point-Blank Range Resigns From Job

Warning: Potentially disturbing footage

A city commissioner in Lakeland, Florida, is facing second-degree murder charges for shooting and killing a man who allegedly shoplifted from his military surplus store on Oct. 3. He resigned from his job, according to a new report.

Surveillance footage of the incident was released to the public, showing Michael Dunn shooting the man as he was trying to exit the store.

Dunn, who was inaugurated to a four-year term in January 2018, appeared in court on Oct. 22 to request bond, WTSP reported.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on Friday without bond after he was indicted by a grand jury.

In another WTSP report on Oct. 22, Dunn also resigned from his position after he was charged with murder.

“It is with a heavy heart that I submit this letter to you. Wherein I am tendering my resignation as Commissioner of the SW District of Lakeland effective October 20, 2018. Being born and raised in Lakeland, this city means a great deal to me and always will. Thank you to the residents of Lakeland for having given me the opportunity to serve,” he wrote in a letter announcing his resignation.

The video footage shows Dunn shooting and killing Cristobal Lopez. Police said that he tried to steal a hatchet from the business.

An investigating officer said Lopez didn’t make any threats to Dunn and was holding the blade of the hatchet in his hand.

Michael Dunn, city commissioner of Lakeland, Fla., in an undated booking photo. Polk County Jail

Dunn also told police that he shot Lopez because he was stealing. According to WFLA, he’s not protected under Florida’s “stand your ground law,” said State Attorney Brian Haas.

“The grand jury carefully considered the evidence it was presented to it and they did their job and that’s what we’re going to go forward on,” said Haas. “It is the policy of my office to comply with and abide by the Stand Your Ground Law, however, I have determined that this case and the actions of Mr. Dunn fall outside the protection of the Stand Your Ground Law,” he added.

Dunn’s lawyer, Rusty Franklin, said he disagrees with Haas’s statement.

“There was a video. It clearly shows that the shoplifter was wielding an axe,” said Franklin, WFLA reported.

“He had no choice but to protect himself and that’s what we hope this trial will prove and we will prove it in a courtroom, not in the media,” he said.

In Florida, a person who is convicted of second-degree murder can get life in prison or life on probation with a fine of up to $10,000. When a weapon is involved, there is a mandatory sentenced of 25 years in prison.

Dunn will appear in court on Nov. 6.