The Orlando Police Department has released bodycam video showing the moment officers were fired upon and returned fire last month during a deadly shootout that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man.
This afternoon, authorities released video of the incident that took place on Wednesday, May 18 near the intersection of Mercy Drive and Lake Lawne Avenue.
Dashcam video shows that around 2 p.m., a Cadillac SUV being driven by Carlos Roberts, Jr. passes OPD officers in an unmarked vehicle.
After the officers turn on their siren and lights to initiate a traffic stop, Roberts stops his vehicle, exits the vehicle, and begins firing shots at officers all within a few seconds.
The officers take cover behind their vehicle and return fire, striking Roberts. After he is injured by the gunfire, Roberts is seen entering his vehicle and speeding down the road before crashing and being approached by separate officers and members of the community.
During a press conference on the day of the incident, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón indicated that the officers involved in the shooting have a combined twelve years of experience in law enforcement.
“They never had a chance to get out of the car before the individual opened fire on them,” said Rolón during the press conference.
A weapon was located in the suspect’s vehicle and ballistics tests have been conducted as part of law enforcement’s investigation.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the case. Once complete, the organization’s findings will be sent to the State Attorney’s Office, who will review the case before sending the findings to the Orlando Police Department and Internal Affairs.
The department says that Roberts’ family was given the opportunity to view the video this morning before it was released to the public.