Ex-insurance commissioner shoots suspect

Former California Department of Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush – now working as a sheriff’s deputy in Lee County, Fla. – earlier this week shot and critically injured a man who allegedly resisted arrest, authorities said today.

Quackenbush was trying to handcuff Teodor Buda, 57, Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of battery and domestic violence when a scuffle ensued, said Tony Schall, spokesman for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. When Buda wrestled away Quackenbush’s Taser and pointed it at him, Quackenbush shot Buda in the abdomen, he said.

Buda, who has a record of resisting arrest and assaulting officers, underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition, authorities said. Quackenbush was treated for minor cuts and bruises.

He was placed on paid administrative leave while the department investigates the shooting, Schall said.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic battery call from Buda’s wife on Monday night, but did not find him at the residence.

About 1 p.m. Tuesday, Quackenbush, 54, was on a “public assistance” call to protect Buda’s wife as she retrieved her belongings from the couple’s duplex apartment in a neighborhood known as Lehigh Acres. Quackenbush encountered Buda inside the apartment.

Neither Quackenbush nor the Budas could be reached for comment.

Quackenbush resigned as state insurance commissioner in 2000 after 5 1/2 years in office amid accusations of corruption.

Quackenbush, California’s second elected insurance commissioner, admitted in legislative hearings that his department reached secret settlements with insurance companies that allowed them to avoid penalties for mishandling Northridge earthquake claims by paying into the foundations he created.

He started working for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department, located in southwest Florida, in June 2005, officials said.

victoria.kim@latimes.com