Man shot in head at Orange County bar, deputies say

Officials say armed security guards involved in shooting at El Rinconcito

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was shot in the head early Monday in an incident involving armed security guards at an Orange County bar, according to deputies.

The shooting was reported at 4:15 a.m. on East Colonial Drive.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the area after several gunshots were heard.

Deputies said they found a man in a gray vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

A woman who was a passenger in the car was not injured, deputies said.

Authorities said they determined the shooting happened at El Rinconcito at 5649 E. Colonial Drive. It was later determined the armed security guards were involved in the incident, deputies said.

On Monday afternoon, deputies served a search warrant at the business.

The sign in front of the business describes El Rinconcito as a bar and grill, but neighboring business owner Shane Fletcher, of Shane-Cuts Inspiration Barber Shop, said El Rinconcito is more like a late-night party spot.

"I'm pretty sure someone was intoxicated or had something in their system. It's usually that kind of party," Fletcher said. "They're established as a restaurant. I don't know -- not exactly restaurant activities happen there. I don't know much, in detail, but I do know they have parties there at night."

Fletcher said he's been cutting hair in the same spot for the past three years and has seen deputies many times responding to calls at his strip mall on the corner of Semoran Boulevard and East Colonial Drive. When his day is done and he leaves at night, he said El Rinconcito is often just opening for business.

"A lot of people do pass by asking about them," Fletcher said. "Like, 'Where are they? Is this a place I can buy food?' Sometimes it's inspectors, sometimes it's law enforcement."

Monday morning's shooting was at least the second act of violence in front of the bar and grill in less than a year.

In March, deputies say two men were shot and bullet holes dotted the wall and a car windshield parked in front of El Rinconcito.

Fletcher said neighbors are concerned about their safety and their community.

"Yeah, it's kinda at the point where I'm a little tired of that kind of violence happening around here," Fletcher said. "It's not good for the neighborhood, it's not good for us neighboring businesses."

He's waiting for the Sheriff's Office to do something about the violence.

"Sometimes it just takes removing a few pieces or changing a few things to change for the better," Fletcher said. "That'll be something the authorities and cities will have to take care of."

News 6 asked the Sheriff's Office if it's aware of the ongoing violence and what it plans to do about it.

Offices were closed Monday in honor of Presidents Day. The Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond.

No other details have been released. An investigation is ongoing.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

Erik von Ancken anchors and reports for News 6 and is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist in the prestigious and coveted "On-Camera Talent" categories for both anchoring and reporting.

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