Orange County Deputy Responds to Gunfire, Neutralizes Suspect After Unmarked Vehicle Hit, Sheriff Reports

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Late Friday evening, a confrontation at an apartment complex in Orange County resulted in a deputy shooting a man who allegedly fired at them first, the sheriff’s office reported.

The incident unfolded at approximately 9:40 p.m. while deputies were conducting surveillance on a suspected murderer at Buchanan Bay Apartments, according to an official statement. Their mission was to execute a DNA search warrant tied to a murder case from earlier in the week, though further details on the case were not immediately disclosed.

As the suspect and another individual exited the apartment, the latter reportedly began shooting at the deputies, striking an unmarked police vehicle. In response, a deputy shot the man, who authorities have identified only as being in his 20s.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina, in a video message, stated, “Deputies were able to secure his firearm, provide immediate first aid, and ensure paramedics could take over when they arrived on the scene. The individual is currently undergoing surgery at the hospital.”

The primary suspect attempted to flee back into the apartment but was quickly apprehended by the deputies. According to the sheriff’s office, he was armed with a handgun when detained and was subsequently questioned by detectives.

The original suspect tried to run back into the home, but the sheriff’s office said he was stopped, detained and questioned by detectives, adding he was also armed with a handgun.

The hospitalized man will face charges in the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting before its findings are turned over to the state attorney’s office, then to the sheriff’s office for internal review, the sheriff said.

Mina said body-worn camera video of the incident will be released within 30 days and that the deputy who fired his weapon is on paid, administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review.

This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.