LISTEN ABOVE: Full 911 call about man later shot dead by policeWinter Park police have released more information about the circumstances that led to a man being shot and killed Saturday night at a wedding in Winter Park. The news release states that around 9:30 p.m., a 911 caller told dispatchers a guest was "assaulting guests at the wedding reception to include grabbing people by the neck and shoving people to the floor."A report on the 911 call states the guest was "grabbing and older woman and shoving her." The caller added the man "shoved several to the floor and grabbed a woman by the neck."The guest was later identified as Daniel Knight, the bride's uncle. Family members said the 39-year-old was celebrating his niece's wedding at the Winter Park Events Center on Morse Boulevard. Audio of the 911 call described Knight as shirtless, drunk and "very violent.""It's getting bad," the caller said. "Anybody of authority is making him angry."Officials say as one officer was attempting to separate Knight from another guest, Knight punched the officer, knocking him unconscious. "Mr. Knight then turned towards the second officer who deployed his taser that resulted in no change in behavior. Mr. Knight struck the second officer causing him to fall to the ground. Mr. Knight continued to advance, again striking at the fallen second officer. Mr. Knight was shot by the second officer," a police report states.Officials say police rendered medical aid to Knight until medics arrived and took him to the hospital, where he died. “This is a tragic event that has resulted in a loss of life and we empathize with all those involved and impacted,” expressed Acting Chief of Police Pam Marcum.Winter Park police confirmed to WESH 2 that Knight was not armed.The two police officers were also taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was called to handle the investigation of the shooting.Knight's family says they are working to "get the entire truth out" about what happened to him.Knight's niece, who was the bride, sent WESH 2 News a statement Sunday on behalf of Knight's family. In regard to Knight, it said: "He was a kind gentle soul, and his only crime committed that night was drinking and having a good time with his family... This shooting was unjustified and we are working with a lawyer and the FDLE to get the entire truth out."His mother told WESH 2 there was a misunderstanding."He was happy and hugging everyone," Keeby said. "And whoever called police mistook it, mistook the situation. He was just happy."William Hoile, who lives nearby, said the whole thing was "pandemonium."Hoile witnessed the aftermath of the chaos that broke out at that wedding."It was pretty chilling," Jeffrey Johnston who lives near the events center said.Johnston said he heard at least one man shouting his fear that Knight was dying."We really feel sorry for this whole situation. The wedding party must be devastated, and the loss of anyone is tragic," Johnston said.
WINTER PARK, Fla. —
LISTEN ABOVE: Full 911 call about man later shot dead by police
Winter Park police have released more information about the circumstances that led to a man being shot and killed Saturday night at a wedding in Winter Park.
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The news release states that around 9:30 p.m., a 911 caller told dispatchers a guest was "assaulting guests at the wedding reception to include grabbing people by the neck and shoving people to the floor."
A report on the 911 call states the guest was "grabbing and older woman and shoving her." The caller added the man "shoved several to the floor and grabbed a woman by the neck."
The guest was later identified as Daniel Knight, the bride's uncle. Family members said the 39-year-old was celebrating his niece's wedding at the Winter Park Events Center on Morse Boulevard.
Audio of the 911 call described Knight as shirtless, drunk and "very violent."
"It's getting bad," the caller said. "Anybody of authority is making him angry."
Officials say as one officer was attempting to separate Knight from another guest, Knight punched the officer, knocking him unconscious.
"Mr. Knight then turned towards the second officer who deployed his taser that resulted in no change in behavior. Mr. Knight struck the second officer causing him to fall to the ground. Mr. Knight continued to advance, again striking at the fallen second officer. Mr. Knight was shot by the second officer," a police report states.
Officials say police rendered medical aid to Knight until medics arrived and took him to the hospital, where he died.
“This is a tragic event that has resulted in a loss of life and we empathize with all those involved and impacted,” expressed Acting Chief of Police Pam Marcum.
Winter Park police confirmed to WESH 2 that Knight was not armed.
The two police officers were also taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was called to handle the investigation of the shooting.
Knight's family says they are working to "get the entire truth out" about what happened to him.
Knight's niece, who was the bride, sent WESH 2 News a statement Sunday on behalf of Knight's family. In regard to Knight, it said: "He was a kind gentle soul, and his only crime committed that night was drinking and having a good time with his family... This shooting was unjustified and we are working with a lawyer and the FDLE to get the entire truth out."
His mother told WESH 2 there was a misunderstanding.
Mom of man shot dead by police at Winter Park wedding says whoever called 911 'mistook the situation'
"He was happy and hugging everyone," Keeby said. "And whoever called police mistook it, mistook the situation. He was just happy."
William Hoile, who lives nearby, said the whole thing was "pandemonium."
Hoile witnessed the aftermath of the chaos that broke out at that wedding.
"It was pretty chilling," Jeffrey Johnston who lives near the events center said.
Johnston said he heard at least one man shouting his fear that Knight was dying.
"We really feel sorry for this whole situation. The wedding party must be devastated, and the loss of anyone is tragic," Johnston said.