Orlando, Florida – Orlando police officers fatally shot a suspect wanted for attempted murder during a traffic stop near downtown on Wednesday evening, Chief Eric Smith announced at a press conference outside the police headquarters. The incident took place around 6 p.m. near the intersection of South Orange Avenue and South Lucerne Circle.
Although the suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, Chief Smith confirmed that the individual initiated gunfire first. Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the altercation. The vehicle was pulled over after authorities discovered that the license plate was registered to an individual wanted for attempted murder and aggravated stalking. The warrant was issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office the previous week.
Chief Smith revealed that the suspect brandished a handgun and fired a shot as officers approached the vehicle. In response, one officer discharged multiple rounds in return. The exact number of shots fired by the suspect remains unclear. Chief Smith emphasized the dangerous nature of police work, highlighting the unpredictable circumstances officers face when conducting routine traffic stops.
In this particular case, law enforcement was already aware of the warrant, prompting a swift deployment of additional units for backup. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, followed by an internal review by the Police Department’s internal affairs unit. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, standard protocol following such incidents.
Chief Smith called for solidarity and support for both the law enforcement officers involved and the family of the deceased individual. Traffic around the intersection was redirected for over an hour after the shooting occurred. The city remains on edge as details surrounding the fatal encounter continue to unfold.