ORLANDO, Fla. – A traffic stop in downtown Orlando ended in a deadly police shooting, according to authorities.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, who held a news conference about the shooting Wednesday evening, said his officers were attempting to pull over a man wanted on a warrant out of Orange County on charges of attempted murder and aggravated stalking.
The chief said his officers pulled him over in the area of Orange Avenue and South Lucerne Circle.
“As officers exited their vehicle, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a round. One officer returned fire. The suspect is pronounced dead at this time,” Smith said.
Orlando police on Thursday identified the man as Michael David Dennis, 29.
The chief did not release the name of the officer who returned fire. The officer is now on leave and the shooting is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Smith said he could not provide details of the incident that led to the warrant being issued.
Traffic was diverted east and west at Anderson Street, and traffic northbound on Orange Avenue was being diverted east and west at Gore Street as the shooting was investigated.
The roadways were later reopened.
Officers are working an incident at Orange Avenue and S. Lucerne Circle. Traffic is being diverted east and west at Anderson Street. Traffic northbound Orange Avenue is being diverted east and west at Gore St. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/9bMTQ9tjE9
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) April 24, 2024