SOUTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — A Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy is recovering from injuries after a violent struggle with a suspect who tried to steal her patrol car and wrestle away her firearm outside a South Palm Beach fire station Thursday morning.
WATCH BELOW: Deputy 'saved her own life' by fatally shooting suspect after attack
The confrontation began around 7:35 a.m. when Rex Magann, 32, walked to the fire station and called dispatch, saying he had taken his mother's car and needed help because "she wouldn't help me," according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
When the female deputy arrived to assist what appeared to be someone in distress, the situation quickly escalated. Magann approached her and demanded her patrol car, saying, "I need a car, I'm taking your car."
"She says, 'You're not taking my car,'" Bradshaw said during a press briefing. "At that point, he lunges at her to grab her gun, and then they get into a very violent confrontation."
Magann, described as about 5-foot-11 and 250 pounds, overpowered the deputy, knocking her to the ground where she hit her head. The violent struggle continued as both fought for control of her weapon.
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"He's on top of her; they're still wrestling for the gun," Bradshaw said. "He finally starts beating her in the face and in the chest to see if he can knock her unconscious."
The deputy was ultimately able to access her firearm and fatally shoot Magann in the chest.
The deputy was taken to JFK Medical Center, where she was treated for facial injuries and evaluated for a possible concussion. Her injuries are not considered life-threatening. Bradshaw said Magann's next-of-kin has been notified.
"This could have gone very, very bad for this female deputy. She literally was fighting for her life," Bradshaw emphasized. "She saved her own life. Without a doubt. This guy was intent on getting that gun."
Magann had an extensive criminal history, including multiple arrests for battery on emergency personnel, burglary, assault on law enforcement officers, and fleeing from felonies. He had been involuntarily committed under the Baker Act three times in the past three years and was currently on probation for battery on a law enforcement officer.
