The Orlando Police Department provided an update on an officer-involved shooting.
OPD released body camera video of the officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 22nd near West Amelia Street and Chatham Avenue near Luminary Green Park in downtown Orlando.
At approximately 3:40am, police officers responded to a disturbance between roommates.
While talking with the roommates involved in the dispute, the suspect, who appeared to be sleeping in Luminary Green Park, charged at officers with an edged weapon, later identified as a pair of scissors.
Officers gave multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. However, the suspect refused to obey their commands and continued to come at the officers. When the suspect failed to comply, he was shot.
He died at the scene.
The suspect, later identified as Benjamin Isaac Hale, had a criminal history including burglary with assault and battery, grand theft, and possession of meth.
Hale was not involved in the initial dispute between roommates. This was a completely unprovoked encounter, and the officers had no prior contact with Hale.
The officers involved in this shooting were not injured.
As with all officer-involved shootings, the Orlando Police Department said that FDLE will conduct an independent review of the incident, followed by the State Attorney’s office.
