Polk City, FL – A Florida woman has been found guilty on multiple charges in connection with the death of a Polk County deputy, who was killed by friendly fire during an October 2022 felony arrest operation.
Cheryl Lynn Williams, 49, faces decades behind bars after a Polk County jury found her guilty of second-degree murder, resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine.
Incident Overvie
The fatal incident occurred on Oct. 4, 2022, at approximately 3 a.m., when Deputy Blane Lane, 21, and three fellow officers arrived at Williams’ residence in Polk City, about 40 miles southwest of Orlando. The deputies were serving a felony arrest warrant after Williams failed to appear in court on a drug possession charge.
Lane, newly sworn in, assumed a tactical position near the rear of the home after receiving guidance from witnesses regarding Williams’ location. Williams then appeared near a gaming room holding a silver handgun, later identified as a realistic BB gun.
Friendly-Fire Tragedy
A volley of gunfire erupted. Williams was struck at least twice, but Lane was also hit, the bullet entering his arm and traveling into his chest. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the deputy died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center…