LAKELAND, Fla. — The father of a toddler is dead after being shot during a custody exchange on Thursday.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said they received a call about a shooting around 12:15 p.m. from the victim who said he shot his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend at a residence on Ewell Road. The victim said he shot 39-year-old Brian Ingram because he was "fighting his way into" his home.
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Ingram and his mother, Patricia, drove to Lakeland to pick up his almost 2-year-old son, per a custody exchange agreement. The toddler was at his mother's boyfriend's house.
Patricia knocked on the door and asked for the little boy. The victim told her to wait until the boy's mother was home so she could say goodbye.
Ingram then called 911 saying the victim refused to let him have his son. The call taker told Ingram to wait until deputies arrived to assist.
Instead of waiting, Ingram ran to the front door and banged repeatedly. When the victim opened the door, Ingram forced his way into the house and hit the victim in the head with the door.
The victim, who was armed, warned Ingram to leave or he would be shot, but Ingram continued to force his way into the home.
The victim then shot Ingram.
Ingram ran into the yard where he collapsed and died from his injuries.
The victim then called 911 and told them what happened. He remained on the scene and has been cooperative with the investigation.
The victim had injuries during the altercation. When the boy's mother arrived she told deputies she had a injunction for protection against Ingram.
Deputies said Ingram had a lengthy criminal history.
