Retired firefighter shot dead by deputies during child porn investigation

LONGWOOD, Fla. — Seminole County deputies shot and killed 68-year-old Gary Guckenberger during an attempted arrest Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff Dennis Lemma said the incident occurred while deputies were surveilling Guckenberger’s home based on tips about child pornography.

According to Lemma, Guckenberger, a retired firefighter, walked out of his house on Hatfield Court using a walker when deputies decided to confront him. As they approached him, he reportedly pulled a .38 revolver from his waistband and pointed it at them.

Deputies had been conducting surveillance after obtaining a search warrant last Tuesday, which led to the seizure of six electronic devices containing over 100 sexually explicit videos of children aged 3 to 9. During the seizure, deputies also found more than 200 explicit photographs depicting similar content.

When deputies encountered Guckenberger in front of his home, they ordered him to drop the gun. Lemma stated that Guckenberger responded, ‘I have to,’ which the sheriff interpreted as a possible indication of ‘suicide by cop.’ At that moment, a deputy opened fire, striking Guckenberger twice. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.

The sheriff emphasized that the surveillance was part of a careful strategy, given that investigators had previously noted Guckenberger’s access to multiple firearms within the home. Lemma stated, “They tried to talk him out of actually doing this, and of course, I’m convinced that his mind was made up.”

Investigators are now appealing to the community for any further information regarding Guckenberger, particularly if anyone has had suspicious interactions with him in the past. Lemma acknowledged, “Our children, who are the victims of these heinous crimes, are at the top of that list.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.