Early this morning an 81-year-old man was walking Sanford streets, and threatening passersby with a 16-gauge shotgun. A short time later, after wounding a police officer, he was shot dead.
Police identified the dead man as William Hickson of Sanford. There were unconfirmed reports Hickson had been on medication. A neighbor said he thought the medication was for mental problems.
Officers were called to the scene when Hickson, brandishing the shotgun, threatened two women at a convenience store, and they called police.
The only witness, Basilio Hernandez, said police told Hickson four times to drop his gun.
Hickson's response was to shoot officer Tony Dando. Dando took 14 shotgun pellets to the face, five to the shoulder and two to the hand. Dando was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.
Hickson is survived by a son.
The State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to review the matter and determine whether the police acted properly
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