Charles McCloud Jr., a 44-year-old man with a documented criminal history, was fatally shot by deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) following a violent shooting spree in Pahokee, Florida, on the night of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The incident began around 10:12 p.m. and spanned approximately 40 minutes, during which McCloud allegedly carried out three separate shootings across the small city located on the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee. The first of these shootings occurred at 171 Booker Place, where two men were found shot and killed.
As the spree continued, McCloud reportedly moved between multiple locations, prompting a rapid and coordinated response from PBSO deputies. The situation escalated when McCloud encountered a deputy and used his vehicle to ram the officer, launching the deputy nearly 40 feet.
According to PBSO, McCloud then exited the vehicle armed with a 9mm handgun and advanced toward the injured deputy. It was at this point that other responding deputies opened fire, fatally striking McCloud. The deputy who was attacked was hospitalized and is currently recovering from serious injuries.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division have launched parallel investigations into the incident. These agencies are reviewing body camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events and assess the use of force. PBSO has confirmed that McCloud was the sole suspect in the shootings and that no additional threats to the public remain.
McCloud’s criminal history includes prior arrests and convictions, though specific details have not been disclosed by authorities. His actions on the night of February 25 have left the Pahokee community shaken, with residents expressing fear and disbelief over the rapid escalation of violence. The victims of the initial shootings have not yet been publicly identified, pending notification of their families.
The deputy-involved shooting has reignited discussions in Palm Beach County about officer safety, mental health, and the challenges of responding to rapidly evolving violent incidents. Law enforcement officials have praised the deputies’ swift response, noting that their actions likely prevented further loss of life. The injured deputy is expected to survive, and PBSO has extended support to his family during his recovery.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage from the area to come forward. The community of Pahokee is now left to mourn the lives lost and reflect on the events that unfolded in less than an hour, leaving a lasting impact on both residents and law enforcement.