CRIME

Group protests in Palatka over killing of unarmed man with mental disabilities

Jim Schoettler

Becky Johnson of Palatka stands with protesters across from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office as they rally on behalf of Johnson's brother, Alfred Dobson Jr., a mentally ill man killed in July by a deputy.

Protesters rallied Friday in Palatka across from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in outcry against a deputy killing an unarmed man with mental disabilities.

Family had called deputies July 19 about Alfred Dobson, who was schizophrenic and had been acting out. The 35-year-old was shot and killed during a confrtonation.

Sheriff Jeff Hardy announced this week that he will begin a training program for all deputies in handling cases that involve the mentally ill.