A 33-year-old man identified by family members as Edward Young Jr. has died following a deputy-involved shooting during a traffic stop along State Road 29 just north of Case Road in LaBelle.

The incident began at approximately 5:25 p.m. Saturday, when deputies with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop after receiving a report of a reckless driver in the area.

According to authorities, the traffic stop quickly escalated, and a short time later deputies reported that shots had been fired. Young was reportedly struck during the incident and was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.

Despite efforts to save his life, Young later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, according to family members who identified him as the victim.

Deputies involved in the shooting were not injured.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have not released additional information about what happened during the traffic stop or what led to the gunfire. Officials have also not provided further details regarding the actions of Young or the deputies immediately before the shooting.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the deputy-involved shooting. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine the events leading up to the gunfire, the actions of everyone involved and the circumstances surrounding Young’s death.

The area also saw another incident later Saturday night.

At approximately 11:11 p.m., a vehicle reportedly crashed into a marked Hendry County Sheriff’s Office patrol car that had been positioned to block traffic at the intersection of State Road 29 and Case Road. Minor injuries were reported in connection with that crash. The deputy who was inside or near the patrol vehicle was reportedly not injured.

No additional information has been released regarding the second crash or whether it was connected in any way to the earlier shooting.

For now, the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting remains active. Authorities have not announced any further details about possible charges or other findings related to the incident.

Young’s death has brought grief to his family and those who knew him. At 33 years old, his life ended following a sudden and violent encounter that remains under investigation.

As investigators work to establish a complete timeline of events, questions remain about what occurred during the traffic stop and what ultimately led to the shooting.

The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are expected to provide additional information as the investigation develops.

Anyone with relevant information about the incident is encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities.

Posted: August 30, 2026 — 1:35 p.m.

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