Two Orlando police officers critically wounded after being shot during a sought-after traffic stop

ORLANDO, Fla. – Two Orlando police officers were shot and critically wounded late Friday during a traffic stop connected to a Florida homicide investigation, prompting a massive search for two culprits, according to authorities.

The double shooting occurred around 11 p.m. near Washington Street and Garland Avenue, Orlando police said. The names and conditions of the officers, who were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, have not been released.

Police revealed that the officers were investigating a vehicle wanted in connection to a homicide in Miami when one person opened fire, striking the officers. One of the assailants then carjacked a driver, leading to a vehicle pursuit, police said.

“This is a sad day for our police department,” Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith said. “I want to thank all the law enforcement agencies who are assisting us. We will find these suspects and bring them to justice.”

No details about the culprits or the vehicle they stole have been released. A large number of law enforcement officers were spotted early Saturday at the Marden Ridge Apartments in Apopka, more than 15 miles from the shooting scene. A vehicle was towed away from the apartment complex, but it’s not known if it was related to the officer-involved shooting.

Officers, some armed with long guns, surrounded nearby Apopka streets, checking vehicles driving through the area. One driver who was stopped said the situation was confusing.

“We kind of don’t know really what to do,” the driver said. “We also didn’t know what was going on until we pulled up. We kind of just asked what was happening.”

The agencies assisting in the investigation were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Apopka police, Daytona Beach police, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Former Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon told News 6 that there were a lot of “moving parts.”

“You have seen (that) a lot of agencies are assisting in the process. They’re following every possible beat that they can get their hands on in order to apprehend these individuals,” Rolon said. “But at the same time, the officers are having to, of course, tend to the needs of those who are injured, their family members.”

News 6 reporter Erik Sandoval said that Garland Avenue was shut down after the shooting. Police urged residents to avoid the area. News 6 reporter Treasure Roberts went to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, which was blocked off by police cars.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released a post early Saturday morning saying that the department is “standing shoulder to shoulder” with Orlando police while hoping for the officers’ recovery. Other agencies also pledged support to the Orlando Police Department.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Original Story at www.clickorlando.com – 2023-08-05 09:00:00