ORLANDO, FL – A tense day unfolded in Orange County as deputies were involved in two separate shooting incidents, prompting an ongoing investigation. The first incident occurred in the morning when a suspect allegedly assaulted a deputy. The second, more serious incident took place in the afternoon when deputies responded to a call about a man experiencing a mental health crisis.
The scene of the second shooting, located on Ormond Drive near State Road 408 and Old Winter Garden Road, remains heavily monitored by law enforcement. Orange County Sheriff John Mina explained that the deputies were forced to react when they felt threatened by the suspect.
The situation escalated when deputies arrived at the scene around 3:30 p.m. They were informed that a man with schizophrenia was acting erratically, reportedly off his medication, and causing disturbances outside. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the man’s father, who warned them that his son was armed with a knife and in a bedroom.
Sheriff Mina recounted that the deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging the man to surrender peacefully. However, the suspect emerged from his room aggressively, brandishing a knife, and attempted to stab one of the deputies. The confrontation intensified as the man tried to seize the deputy’s firearm before another stabbing attempt.
In the ensuing struggle, the deputy fired his service weapon as he retreated, ultimately falling backward into a bathroom. The deputy sustained head injuries after hitting the bathtub, requiring medical attention and stitches. He has been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard protocol in such cases.
Sheriff Mina highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, noting that although the department has a Behavioral Response Unit for mental health-related calls, they were not dispatched in this instance. Typically, standard deputies respond initially to active situations, with specialists called in later if needed.
The incident, captured on body-worn cameras, will be subject to further review. Sheriff Mina assured the public that portions of the footage would be released within the next 30 days to provide transparency.