09/06/2026
Florida Traffic Stop Goes South
Body cam is a great training tool because it lets you slow things down and start recognizing the small behavioral indicators that something isn’t right.
There are several here:
“I was headed to…” instead of “I’m headed to…” — subtle, but it can suggest the driver already believes he isn’t making it to that destination. Similar to someone being asked out of a car and immediately grabbing their wallet, phone, or other important items because psychologically they know they’re probably not getting back in.
Then you see the deer-in-the-headlights look, hesitation answering basic questions, and the officer having to ask for his license multiple times with almost no response. He appears to be processing what’s happening and deciding what his next move is.
Add in obvious deception about the ma*****na card after the officer spots it in his wallet. Then, when he’s finally told to turn the car off, he reaches toward the passenger seat.
Also, backup on every motor vehicle stop is essential.
Backstory: On August 29, 2026, Hendry County deputies stopped 34-year-old Edward Young Jr. after a report of a reckless driver near State Road 29 in LaBelle, Florida.
During the stop, deputies instructed Young to turn off his truck. Moments later, body camera footage shows him pull a handgun and open fire on deputies standing at the driver’s side.
A deputy positioned on the passenger side immediately returned fire, striking Young. No deputies were injured. Young later died at the hospital. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.