Seminole Co., Fla., (September 17, 2025) – Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Detectives are actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the area of Hatfield Ct. and East Wekiva Trail, in unincorporated Longwood.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the SCSO Crimes Against Children Unit executed a residential search warrant at 102 Hatfield Ct., in response to a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertip. Upon arrival, Detectives made contact with the suspect, Gary Wayne Guckenberger, (DOB 3/13/57). During the search, Detectives observed that Guckenberger was armed with a firearm on his person, and additional firearms were located throughout the residence. Several electronic devices were seized during the investigation, and upon forensic examination, hundreds of images of child pornography were discovered. As a result, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Guckenberger.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. today, SCSO Detectives were conducting surveillance on Guckenberger when he exited his home, armed with a fully loaded weapon in his waistband, when he encountered our Detective. The Detective issued a verbal warning to not reach for the weapon. Guckenberger disregarded the warning and attempted to draw his firearm. In response, the Detective discharged his weapon, striking Guckenberger. The Detective immediately initiated life-saving measures until the arrival of the Seminole County Fire Department; however, Guckenberger succumbed to his injuries.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma commented on the incident, stating, “We have a responsibility as a society and as a profession to protect our most vulnerable. Our children, who are the victims of these heinous crimes, are at the top of that list.”
As part of standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will investigate the officer-involved shooting. The Detective involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
