ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia was shot late Sunday while responding to a domestic dispute at an apartment complex near Universal, officials said.
Limited information has been released by authorities about Valencia, but here's what News 6 knows about him.
Valencia, who is in his late 20s, was hired by the Orlando Police Department in 2016.
Natalie French, a spokesperson with the Doral Police Department, said Valencia was an officer with the department from 2014 to 2016, before he voluntarily transferred to Orlando.
In 2015, Valencia received a lifesaving award after he saved people inside a car that crashed into a canal, according to French.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Valencia was shot by Gary Lindsey Jr., who was involved in a 21-hour standoff with police. The standoff ended with four children and Lindsey being found dead.
A witness told News 6 that Valencia was shot in an upper part of his body, likely his head.
Valencia underwent emergency surgery and is expected to survive, Mina said.
Valencia was in critical condition as of early Tuesday, according to Mina.
Details about Valencia's personal life have not been released.
Leaders and local law enforcement officials have extended their support to Valencia and the Orlando Police Department. Anyone looking to offer support to Valencia and his family can visit the GoFundMe account set up on his behalf.
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.