Orlando, Florida – Orlando police officers fatally shot an attempted-murder suspect following a traffic stop on Wednesday evening near downtown, according to Chief Eric Smith at a press conference held outside police headquarters.
During the incident, which took place at around 6 p.m. near South Orange Avenue and South Lucerne Circle, the identity of the man who was shot by police was not disclosed by Chief Smith, who did confirm that the suspect had fired his weapon first.
The decision to pull over the vehicle was made after officers ran the license plate and discovered that the vehicle was registered to an individual wanted on charges of attempted murder and aggravated stalking. The warrant was issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office the previous week, though no further details were provided by Chief Smith.
Chief Smith revealed, “As officers exited their vehicle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a round. One officer responded by returning fire.” The officer involved, who remains unnamed, is believed to have discharged multiple rounds.
In response to questions about the number of shots fired by the suspect, Chief Smith stated, “We believe one, but it could have been more.” He emphasized the hazardous nature of police work, highlighting the unpredictability officers face when conducting routine traffic stops.
Following the shooting, multiple units swiftly arrived on the scene to provide support, aware of the warrant against the suspect. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will lead an independent investigation into the shooting, with subsequent review by the Police Department’s internal affairs unit.
Following standard protocol after an officer-involved shooting, the officer who fired the fatal shot has been placed on administrative leave. Chief Smith urged the community to offer their support to both the officers involved and the family of the deceased individual.
Traffic in the area was redirected for over an hour as authorities processed the scene. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily while serving their communities.