Woman weilding knife shot, killed by Polk deputies

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A deputy shot and killed a woman who, the sheriff says, was wielding a knife. 

Miriam Savino allegedly made several calls to 911 around 1:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. She claimed her son was in danger.

When deputies got to her home on Hastings Road in Lake Wales, they say she pulled a knife.

That's when neighbors reported hearing several shots.

"When you pull a knife, charge a deputy, threaten a deputy with a large butcher knife, which is what it appears to be at this point, you can believe they are going to defend themselves," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "And they have every right to."

The deputy reported the shooting over the radio, then attempted to give the woman first aid.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard practice anytime shots are fired. He has been on the force for five years.