A passenger in a vehicle was shot by an Orange County deputy after the driver deliberately drove into another deputy, who narrowly escaped being struck.
The shooting occurred just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday on 19th Street. Deputies said, a car was spotted in the vicinity of south Orange Blossom Trail, driving up and down, without headlights.
After calling for back-up, deputies attempted to make contact with the vehicle, approaching on foot. That’s when the driver deliberately drove at one of the deputies, who jumped out of the way to escape from being hit. As the suspicious vehicle fled, one of the other deputies opened fire.
The vehicle was later spotted on south Orange Blossom Trail, darting in and out of other vehicles. The white Toyota Camry, eventually crashed at 27th Street across north bound lanes, into the parking lot of Young’s Market.
Investigators said, the driver fled the car, but was apprehended shortly after in a local backyard with the help of a K-9 and Sheriff’s helicopter.
The passenger was arrested at the vehicle with a gunshot, non-life threatening wound, and other injuries as a result of the crash.
Deputies have identified the two white male suspects, but have not yet released their names. Aggravated assault charges are expected against the driver.
As is customary, the deputy involved in the shooting has been temporarily re-assigned, as the investigation continues.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is expected to conduct its own investigation, into the deputy-involved shooting. His name too, has not been released.
