Palm Beach County Deputy Injured in Violent Struggle With Suspect Who Tried to Take Her Gun

A Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy is recovering from injuries after a violent confrontation with a suspect who allegedly attempted to steal her patrol vehicle and take her firearm outside a South Palm Beach fire station Tuesday morning.

The incident unfolded at approximately 7:35 a.m. after 32-year-old Rex Alexander Magann walked to the fire station and contacted dispatch. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Magann told dispatchers that he had taken his mother’s vehicle and needed assistance because, as he put it, “she wouldn’t help me.”

What initially appeared to be a call involving someone in distress quickly escalated after a female deputy arrived at the fire station to assist him.

Suspect allegedly demanded deputy’s patrol car

According to Bradshaw, Magann approached the deputy and demanded that she give him her patrol vehicle.

“I need a car, I’m taking your car,” Magann allegedly told the deputy.

The deputy refused.

“She says, ‘You’re not taking my car,’” Bradshaw said during a press briefing.

The situation then became violent when Magann allegedly lunged at the deputy in an attempt to grab her firearm.

“At that point, he lunges at her to grab her gun, and then they get into a very violent confrontation,” Bradshaw said.

Magann was described as a white male approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing about 250 pounds.

Deputy and suspect fought over firearm

During the struggle, Magann allegedly overpowered the deputy and knocked her to the ground, causing her to strike her head.

The confrontation continued as the deputy fought to prevent Magann from gaining control of her firearm.

“He’s on top of her, they’re still wrestling for the gun,” Bradshaw said.

According to the sheriff, Magann then repeatedly struck the deputy in the face and chest in an apparent attempt to render her unconscious.

“He finally starts beating her in the face and in the chest to see if he can knock her unconscious,” Bradshaw said.

The deputy was ultimately able to access her firearm and shot Magann in the chest. The suspect died from his injuries, ending the violent confrontation.

Deputy hospitalized after confrontation

The injured deputy was transported to JFK Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities said she suffered facial injuries and was evaluated for a possible concussion. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Bradshaw said Magann’s next of kin had been notified following the shooting.

The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the confrontation and said the deputy was fighting to protect her own life.

“This could have gone very, very bad for this female deputy. She literally was fighting for her life,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw added that the deputy “saved her own life” and said Magann appeared intent on obtaining her firearm.

Suspect had extensive criminal history

Authorities said Magann had an extensive criminal history that included multiple arrests involving battery on emergency personnel, burglary, assault on law enforcement officers and fleeing from felonies.

He had also been involuntarily committed under Florida’s Baker Act three times during the previous three years, according to authorities.

At the time of Tuesday’s confrontation, Magann was reportedly on probation for battery on a law enforcement officer.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Further details are expected to be released as authorities continue reviewing the confrontation.