An individual who was being pulled over for a traffic stop fired shots at Orlando Police officers while they were in their vehicle during a scary shootout on Wednesday.
The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a traffic violation at Mercy Drive and Lake Lawne Avenue.
According to Rolón, the officers, who have a combined twelve years of experience in law enforcement, were still in their vehicle proceeded to open fire on the officers while they were still in their vehicle.
“They never had a chance to get out of the car before the individual opened fire on them,” said Rolón.
According to police, the individual fled the scene and crashed at a nearby location. Officers rendered aid to the individual, who was transported to ORMC.
Rolón says that a weapon was located in the suspect’s vehicle and that ballistics tests will be conducted to prove whether it was the weapon used in the shooting. He is asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to come forward.
“We’re combing the area, we’re trying to figure out who all may have seen something,” said Rolón. “We would have never initiated a traffic stop if the person had obeyed the traffic laws. Not only did their actions result in that person getting injured…it was totally avoidable.”
Orlando Police Department officers receive special training on how to respond to shooting incidents while they are inside their vehicles, according to Rolón.
“We’re always looking for the best training possible to keep our officers safe.”
Rolón says neither officer was injured and that both are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as is customary with officer-involved shootings. He cautioned that the issue was avoidable and one that posed a serious danger to the community.
“The fact that so many rounds were fired, of course someone else could have been injured. Again, the actions of this individual forced the officers to act, and it could have all been avoided.”
The video from the body cameras of both officers will be released within 30 days once FDLE notifies the department, according to OPD.