An aggravated assault charge was filed against a Palmetto man who threatened police with survivalist-style weapons in December 2017 in Anna Maria.
Douglas Schofield, 45, was charged May 7 by the State Attorney of the 12th Judicial Circuit. He was served with the court paper a week later.
Schofield was shot in the stomach Dec. 30, 2017, by Bradenton Beach Police Officer Eric Hill in a parking lot at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue after he held out a knife and a hatchet and shouted to police, asking if they wanted to die. Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Amy Leach simultaneously shot Schofield with a stun gun.
Pings to Schofield’s cellphone led authorities to search Anna Maria, according to a police report.
Police say his relatives, including MCSO Deputy Tim Eason, told authorities Schofield was trying to kill himself, and Eason helped Hill and Leach identify Schofield’s vehicle in the parking lot at 10101 Gulf Drive.
Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer and HBPD Officer Christine LaBranche assisted in the search and arrived on scene.
After Schofield was shot, he was taken to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. He underwent surgery and has recovered, according to police.
Schofield, a former U.S. marine with post-traumatic stress disorder, is going through a divorce, according to police reports.
A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation cleared Hill of wrongdoing in the officer-involved shooting.
After being served with the aggravated assault charge, Schofield was transported and booked at the Manatee County jail.
He posted a $25,000 bond and was released.
Schofield’s arraignment is set for Friday, June 8, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.