An investigation is underway after an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot a suspected Walmart shoplifter who was allegedly armed with a knife.
On Sunday, February 22, at around 8:30 p.m., OCSO deputies responded to the Walmart located at 11250 East Colonial Drive in Orlando in reference to a knife-wielding man who was “stealing a shopping cart full of items,” according to the sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival, one of the deputies encountered the male suspect – later identified as 48-year-old Jason Anthony Beal – on Colonial Drive, near the Walmart. OCSO stated that the deputy instructed Beal to stop, but he allegedly refused to comply.
In response, the deputy tasered Beal, but it did not have the desired effect. The deputy then reportedly instructed Beal several times to “not reach” for a knife.
Shortly after issuing those commands, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking Beal. OCSO said that Beal was taken to a local hospital for treatment of “non-life-threatening” injuries.
At the scene of the deputy-involved shooting, investigators allegedly recovered two knives.
Beal was placed under arrest, and he is facing the following charges: robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.
The incident is currently being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Those findings will then be submitted to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.
OCSO will also conduct its own internal investigation.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on temporary, paid administrative leave pending the results of FDLE’s investigation.