The man died at a hospital where he was taken after police caught up with him.

PLANT CITY – A man suspected of shoplifting a knife is dead, after he apparently ‘impaled’ himself on the knife he stole, according to Plant City police.

Jerry Ellis Word, 53 of Lakeland, died at South Florida Baptist Hospital, where he was taken after police found him. Mr. Word is believed to have died of a self-inflicted “bladed weapon wound to an upper arm area,” police said.

Police said they were called to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, 2801 James L. Redman Pkwy., about 6:40 p.m. Friday (May 5) for a report of a shoplifting in progress. A man had taken a removed a knife from its packaging and concealed it on his person. After doing so, the man tried to leave the store without offering to pay, officers said.

He was confronted by Lowe’s staff members. Police said they were told that he threatened them with the knife and then left the store on foot. He ran towards the Parks Springs Apartment complex, 300 Park Springs Circle. While fleeing with the knife, police said they believe he “impaled himself in an unknown manner with the knife.” After doing so, the man continued running for a short distance before he collapsed behind a building of the apartment complex.

Police said this is an active investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.

For information about the Plant City police, go to plantcitygov.com.

Plant City Police | Suspect Dies | Shoplifting | Crime | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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