Masked Shoplifting Suspect Shot by Deputy at Orange County Walmart: Officials Report

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A tense encounter unfolded on East Colonial Drive when deputies shot a masked suspect who allegedly disregarded numerous commands during an incident linked to a shoplifting attempt at a local Walmart. This information was confirmed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The situation began around 8:30 p.m. when deputies responded to a call from the Walmart located at 11250 East Colonial Drive. The call reported a man attempting to steal merchandise from the store.

A deputy soon located the suspect west of Lake Berge Road, pushing a shopping cart brimming with goods. The deputy issued repeated commands, and when these were ignored, a taser was deployed. However, the taser proved ineffective in subduing the suspect.

According to the sheriff’s office, during the confrontation, the deputy warned the suspect not to make any sudden moves by saying, “don’t reach,” before ultimately discharging his firearm and striking the man.

The suspect, who remains unidentified, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities reported the recovery of two knives from the scene.

This incident is notably the second officer-involved shooting in Central Florida connected to shoplifting at a Walmart in under a week. Just days earlier, on Thursday evening, an Osceola County deputy shot and killed a 16-year-old who was suspected of shoplifting. The teenager reportedly brandished a gun while fleeing through the store.