POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbing family‑threat situation on Monday afternoon in the Florida Pines subdivision off U.S. 27. The suspect, 37‑year‑old Maxwell James Murrain of Davenport, allegedly warned his relatives that he would kill them and claimed he would commit “suicide by cop” if police intervened.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched after receiving a call that Murrain was making the threats. When officers located him walking through the neighborhood, they asked to conduct a pat‑down for weapons before speaking with him. Murrain stepped back and ignored multiple verbal commands to comply.

As deputies moved in to detain the suspect, Murrain began physically resisting. Officers deployed a Taser to subdue him and secure the area. While taking him into custody, deputies observed a cut on his arm that was bleeding and discovered a knife in his possession. The weapon was seized, and Murrine was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Investigators later learned that Murrain initially gave a false name to law enforcement. Deputies also checked on the family members involved in the incident and confirmed that none were injured during the confrontation.

After receiving treatment, Murrain was released from the hospital and booked at the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center. He now faces multiple felony charges, including battery on a law‑enforcement officer, three counts of resisting an officer with violence, three counts of resisting without violence, and providing false identification to a law‑enforcement officer.

Community safety response

The swift action by Polk County deputies underscores the department’s commitment to protecting families and preventing potential tragedies. By intervening early and using non‑lethal force, officers were able to de‑escalate a volatile situation that could have resulted in loss of life.

Local residents are reminded that law‑enforcement officers are trained to handle threats of violence and self‑harm, and that reporting suspicious behavior promptly can help keep neighborhoods safe.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.