Deputies Respond to Reported Shooting at Poinciana Walmart on Cypress Parkway (Updated)

By Staff Reporter

iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 19th, 2026

8:08 PM UPDATE: One person confirmed shot and down. It remains unclear if there are additional victims. Osceola County Fire Rescue staged nearby for safety.

8:13 PM UPDATE: A command post has been established at the Murphy’s Gas Station. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area.

8:20 PM UPDATE: According to Osceola County Fire Rescue, multiple suspects may have been at large. One deputy was being assessed for possible injuries.

1:20 AM UPDATE: Additional confirmed details released by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are below.

Updated Feb 21st, 2026 - Authorities have identified the suspect who died during the February 19 shooting inside the Walmart on Cypress Parkway as Jairus Eroge Jones, DOB: December 30, 2009.

Breaking: Suspect Shot and Killed by Off-Duty Deputy During Armed Retail Theft Incident at Poinciana Walmart

POINCIANA, Fla. — An off-duty Osceola County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed an armed suspect Thursday evening during a violent retail theft incident inside the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway in Poinciana.

According to Captain Kim Montes, the deputy was working an off-duty security detail at the store, a service deputies are hired by Walmart to provide a security presence for customers.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., a Walmart loss prevention officer notified the deputy that three males had allegedly concealed merchandise and were approaching the front of the store without paying. When the deputy confronted them, the individuals attempted to flee the store.

Authorities say one suspect displayed a handgun while moving toward other customers as he fled. In response to the immediate threat, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the incident, three armed good Samaritans reportedly approached the deputy and stated they were prepared to assist as the remaining two suspects fled the store in an unknown direction.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was contacted and is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The deputy was not injured and was placed on standard administrative leave.

Crimeline initially offered up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the two remaining suspects.

UPDATED INVESTIGATION DETAILS:
After further investigation, detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office have identified and accounted for the two male subjects who were with the deceased suspect at Walmart. One is a juvenile and one is an adult in his twenties.

Because FDLE is investigating the officer-involved shooting, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office stated it will not release additional information at this time, including Walmart surveillance video. The sheriff will provide body-worn camera footage and other public records once FDLE reaches an appropriate stage in the investigation.

Authorities also confirmed the suspect who was shot and killed was a 16-year-old juvenile from Poinciana who had turned 16 on December 30, 2025. Next of kin notification has been made to his mother.

The two males that were with the suspect have not been arrested. They have been identified and accounted for.

FDLE continues to investigate and no charges have been filed against these two males.

OCSO are not far enough into the investigation to speculate about their involvement and any potential charges. If that changes, an update will be sent out.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

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