ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Two people were arrested Friday after a tip about illegal handguns led to Orange County deputies following a rideshare vehicle in the Pine Hills area, then to a deputy shooting his gun when one of the suspects jumped out a vehicle window, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incident began around noon along Pine Hills Road.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the agency received a tip that two people had handguns that were modified to be automatic. Deputies say they saw the suspects get into a rideshare vehicle, which they stopped in the area of Pine Hills Road and Balboa Drive.
“One jumped through the rear passenger window with a handgun, our deputy fired their service weapon at the subject one time and he was captured after a brief foot pursuit,” Mina said.
Mina said he watched body-worn camera footage of the incident, adding the incident happened very quickly. He said he assumed the deputy was in fear for his life.
“Certainly anytime that someone jumps out of a vehicle with a firearm, we’re thankful that our deputy wasn’t injured, we’re thankful that our community member that was nearby wasn’t injured and we’re thankful that suspect wasn’t injured as well, that could have been very bad for him,” Mina said.
The other suspect also fled the vehicle. He was found on a nearby street, the sheriff’s office said.
A witness told News 6 reporter Catherine Silver he was watching TV when he saw a man jumping his fence.
“Went in my room, hear a noise, in the fence, and I look through the window and see this guy run, call 911, everything was like a matter of minutes,” the man said.
No one was hurt. One handgun was found at the scene.
The deputy who fired their weapon was described as a 9-year veteran of the sheriff’s office and will be placed on administrative paid leave as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates, according to Mina.
Mina also said the driver of the rideshare vehicle was not involved in the incident or the investigation.
The sheriff’s office around 12:30 p.m. posted the initial alert on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Police activity near Pine Hills Road and Elinore Drive. Please avoid the area,” the post said.
Video from News 6 helicopter Sky 6 showed Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando police and Maitland police vehicles at the scene.
Check back for updates.
Police activity near Pine Hills Road and Elinore Drive. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/HMAZM0gPCb
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 29, 2024