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LAKELAND, Fla. (WESH) — A man has been arrested after three people were found shot dead Sunday morning in Lakeland.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the incident began around 4:30 a.m. in the area of North Socrum Loop Road.
A deputy on another call began hearing gunfire and responded, and multiple 911 callers began reporting an active shooter.
Lakeland police and Polk County Sheriff deputies respond, discovering a truck on fire and a man in full body armor.
Police saw the man run inside a home and then heard gunfire, followed by a woman and baby screaming.
Deputies entered the home and the suspect opened fire. Deputies returned fire before the suspect surrendered.
Judd said the suspect had been shot and was taken to Lakeland Regional, where he attempted to grab an officer's weapon.
Inside the home, officers discovered a man, woman and infant shot to death. The infant was in the mother's arms. An 11-year-old girl had been shot multiple times. She was taken to Tampa General and taken into surgery. Deputies discovered another woman dead in a separate house on the property.
Judd said the suspect is a self-described "survivalist" and told deputies he was on meth.
Deputies are still searching for a fifth child, they are hoping the child is at a friend's home.
The suspect will be treated and arrested, Judd said.
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