PTSD veteran shot by police in Florida sought help

Veteran shot by deputies suffered from PTSD, parents say V.A. failed to provide better help
ABC Action News
Wendi Lane
Feb 20, 2018

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. - A family is left devastated after deputies shot and killed their son on Saturday when he threatened to kill himself and his wife.

The man’s parents say the father of four suffered from PTSD and depression after serving in Afghanistan.

"He loved his kids. He loved his family. I always called him my American hero," said Lisa Batchelder, mother of 28-year-old Ryan Batchelder.

Right out of high school Ryan Batchelder joined the army.

"He went over to Afghanistan. He left as my little boy and when he came back he just wasn’t the same." said Lisa.

Ryan’s mother Lisa says he never talked about his time in Afghanistan, only mentioning that one day he switched shifts with a friend, and that friend was killed in an attack.

Michael was there when Ryan smashed his vehicle into a deputy’s car.

"I was watching my boy get shot. There was nothing I could do. I begged them to stop shooting. I can’t close my eyes," said Michael.

The Batchelder’s don’t blame the deputies but wish it could’ve been easier for their veteran to get help.

"They need more providers for our soldiers. They need to figure out how to hold those providers." said Lisa.
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