Polk County deputy returns after shooting injury recovery
Share and Follow


“Even though it’s not all the way there, I’m glad to be back. Definitely blessed,” said Lt. Chad Anderson.

POLK COUNTY, Florida — Nearly 18 months ago, two Polk County (Florida) deputies were “ambushed” and shot by a sovereign citizen, leaving them both with serious injuries.

Deputy Craig Smith and Lieutenant Chad Anderson are alive “by the grace of God,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in the days after the shooting.

Smith returned to full duty six months after the shooting, and on Thursday — more than a year later — Anderson was officially welcomed back to work for the first time. 

The sheriff’s office posted a video on social media, showing deputies and other law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Grady Judd, giving their applause as Anderson entered the room. For now, he’ll be on “light duty” work.

“Even though it’s not all the way there, I’m glad to be back. Definitely blessed,” Anderson said while speaking to other members of the agency.

“That night, you and your team stood in the gap between good and evil. As a result of that, no one else was hurt,” Judd said in the video. “It’s a blessing. There’s a reason why when I go to bed at night, I pray for all the deputies. When I wake up in the morning, I pray for all the deputies, because we’re out there dealing with the unknown.”

It all started around 12:30 a.m. on April 27, 2024, in Lakeland’s Hunt Fountain Park. A deputy was patrolling the area after reports of teen burglaries when she saw a man sitting in a white Mercedes Benz and asked him why he was there. He reportedly refused to respond or get out of the car. 

Judd said at the time the man, identified as a 26-year-old Moorish Sovereign Citizen who went by the name Kmac El Bey, was “dressed in all white as if he were in some kind of religious or cult garb.” 

The deputy called for backup and seven deputies, including Anderson and Smith responded. The two deputies approached El Bey, whose given name was Kyran Caples, when he tried to drive away. 

Deputies grabbed the car window and then El Bey started shooting, Judd said. 

Anderson was shot in his left arm and the bullet went into his chest cavity, lodging between his heart and spinal column. Judd said Anderson was “fractions of an inch” away from being paralyzed or killed. 

Smith was shot twice in his right arm. 

Other responding deputies returned fire, ultimately killing El Bey. 

Both Smith and Anderson underwent multiple, “extensive” surgeries for their critical injuries as well as a “whole lot of physical therapy.” 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Thousands participate in Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K to raise money for Friends of Burr, benefitting Burr Elementary School

Massive Turnout at Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K Supports Friends of Burr and Burr Elementary School

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 4,000 runners of all agility levels took…
Merkel says Poland and Baltic states responsible for war in Ukraine

Merkel Suggests Poland and Baltic Nations Played a Role in Ukraine Conflict

Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel has blamed Poland and the Baltic states for…
Vice Principals actress Kimberly Hébert Gregory dead at 52

“Kimberly Hébert Gregory of Vice Principals Passes Away at Age 52”

Kimberly Hébert Gregory, best known for her starring role as Dr. Belinda Brown…
Trump aloof as lawmakers fear protracted shutdown

Trump Remains Distant Amidst Lawmakers’ Concerns Over Extended Shutdown

President Trump, whom Democrats say is the only Republican leader who can…
Taylor Swift's 'The Official Release Party of a Show Girl' debuts at No. 1 with $33 million

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Official Release Party of a Show Girl’ Tops Charts with $33 Million Opening

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This weekend’s box office belonged to two undeniable…
Jaxson Dart got first taste of Giants' woeful culture of losing

Jaxson Dart Experiences the Giants’ Struggles with Losing Culture

NEW ORLEANS — The room was packed with players all too familiar…
DC police arrest suspect for alleged explosive outside annual Red Mass

DC police arrest suspect for alleged explosive outside annual Red Mass

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A 41-year-old New Jersey…
Is 'Hocus Pocus 3' happening? Here's the latest we know

Is ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ in the Works? Here’s Everything We Know

Midler’s posts began Oct. 1 and feature references to the cult classic…