A man who shot and critically injured two Orlando police officers was killed after he barricaded himself in a hotel room near Universal Studios and fired at police on Saturday.
Daton S. Viel, 28, was killed during a firefight with members of the Orlando Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics at 8:58 a.m. on Saturday, August 5.
According to a statement issued by the Orlando Police Department, SWAT team members responded to the Holiday Inn located at 5916 Caravan Court at around 6 a.m.
The hotel was safely evacuated by law enforcement authorities, who say Viel barricaded himself inside one of the hotel rooms.
Several attempts were made by police to get Viel to surrender. According to police, Viel refused to cooperate.
At 8:58 a.m., Viel allegedly shot at SWAT officers multiple times. Officers returned fire, striking and killing Viel.
Viel’s death comes just eight hours after he fired shots at two Orlando Police Department officers, critically injuring them.
That shooting took place at 11 p.m. on Friday, August 4, as police were investigating a vehicle in the area of Garland Avenue and Washington Street that was wanted for a homicide in Miami.
During the traffic stop, Viel shot at the officers before fleeing the scene.
The officers were taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
“Our officers are lucky to be alive and we ask that you continue to pray for them,” said Orlando Police Department Chief Eric. D. Smith in a statement.
Viel had an extensive criminal history and had been convicted of multiple felonies. In March, he was arrested on charges of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.