A man was shot by an Orange County Deputy Sheriff early on Monday morning, after refusing to comply with commands, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The man, identified as Cedric Bartee, 28, was critically injured at the Timberleaf Apartment complex where the shooting happened, just after 12:00 midnight.
Officials say, deputies were on proactive patrol when a stolen vehicle was discovered into which Bartee and his accomplice, Henry Lee Chaney, 28, entered. Officials also say, Bartee and Chaney challenged deputies.
Subsequently, Chaney complied with the officers commands while Bartee ignored them.
According to OCSO, Bartee made extensive furtive movements, and the deputy, in fear for his life, opened fire.
Bartee was taken to Orlando Health where he underwent surgery. Chaney was arrested without incident.
However, witnesses have said that both Bartee and Chaney had their hands up inside the vehicle, when Bartee was shot, according to news reports.
The deputy who opened fire is Sgt. Robert McCarthy, a 9-year veteran of the force. Currently, he has been re-assigned to administrative duties pending an investigation.
Orange County Sheriff’s Jerry Demings will hold a press briefing on the deputy-involved shooting today at 4:00 p.m. at OCSO Headquarters.
