78-year-old man shot multiple times, run over by own car in violent carjacking, affidavit shows
A 78-year-old man was killed after being shot multiple times with an AR-15 and run over by his own vehicle when he was carjacked Sunday at a CVS in Orange County, according to new details revealed in an arrest affidavit.
โI wasnโt thinking:โ Second Orange County deputy suspended for TikTok videos with sexual lyrics
A second deputy with the Orange County Sheriffโs Office is being disciplined for recording TikTok videos of himself that contained questionable content while on duty and in uniform, according to an internal investigation.
Orange-Osceola state attorney creates new policy for officer-involved shooting review
Prosecutors with the State Attorneyโs Office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, covering Orange and Osceola counties, will independently investigate police officer or deputy-involved shootings in addition to the review conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Orange County deputy under review after husbandโs arrest in Capitol riots
Following the arrest of the husband of an Orange County deputy for charges related to the Capitol riots in January, the sheriffโs office will conduct a review to determine if she was aware of her spouses ties to the extremists group and the events of Jan. 6.
Vice documentary to feature Orange County deputy-involved shooting of Salaythis Melvin
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A new episode of the Vice documentary series will include coverage of Salaythis Melvin, the 22-year-old man fatally shot in the back at the Florida Mall last year by an Orange County deputy. The trailer for the Vice episode airing Sunday at 8 p.m. on Showtime also includes interviews with Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Orange County Sheriffโs Office media relations confirmed it did participate in the Vice documentary interview. Orange County Sheriffโs Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away across the parking lot. Hours of body camera video released by the sheriffโs office video have provided little insight into the shooting itself.
Gunman wearing green mask shot victim outside Florida Mall, deputies say
A man wounded outside the Florida Mall earlier this year was shot by a gunman wearing a green mask, according to an Orange County Sheriffโs Office incident report. A witness said a man wearing a green mask shot another man in the mall parking lot, according to an OCSO incident report. The victim ran into the Florida Mall with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper abdomen, a deputy wrote in the report. The victim was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in serious condition, deputies said. The victim told a deputy that he did not know who shot him but said the gunman was wearing a green mask, the report stated.
Orange County deputy suspended for Facebook post about Muslims
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A Central Florida sheriffโs deputy was suspended for nearly a month after a civil rights group asked for an investigation into his Facebook posts about Muslims. In a February 2020 post on his personal Facebook page, Johnson wrote that โMuslims are taking over America,โ calling them the โmost intolerant people when it comes to other religions,โ the report said. !โ Johnson wrote in the post. None of those deputies reported the post to the agency, and none said they had concerns with the post when interviewed by internal investigators. Mina told the newspaper deputies have an obligation to report any policy violations they see while on duty, but said that is not the case for an off-duty deputy.
Pedestrian killed in crash near Colonial Drive
Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies and FHP troopers at the scene of a crash investigation on Semoran Boulevard at Colonial Drive on Feb. 22, 2021. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed Monday evening on Semoran Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash was reported around 5:30 p.m. at Semoran and Colonial Drive. One vehicle struck the person who later died at Orlando Health. The northbound lanes of Semoran Boulevard were blocked Monday evening for the crash investigation.
Strangulation suspect fired at Orange County deputy twice before he was shot, records show
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A man accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend and setting her house on fire fired a handgun at a deputy twice before he was ultimately shot Friday night, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. Records show the first call about 43-year-old Phillip Francis came in around 3:20 p.m. when his ex-girlfriend said that he had strangled her. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said deputies were also trying to locate Francis at that time. As of Monday, Francis has not been booked into the Orange County Jail. No deputies were injured during the shooting and Mina said the strangulation victim is OK as well.
Deputies search for suspect in deadly shooting near Apopka
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is searching for Travone Jermal Simmons after a deadly shooting. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange County deputies are searching for a 19-year-old man they say was behind a deadly shooting over the weekend. The Orange County Sheriffโs Office said Travone Jermal Simmons shot and killed a man Sunday night and then took off. Deputies were called to the area and they found Deantae Holmes had been shot. The sheriffโs office said tips can be reported to Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Orange County deputies acted within policy when they smashed driverโs window during traffic stop
ORLANDO, Fla โ A pair of Orange County deputies are clear of any wrongdoing for a traffic stop where a womanโs car window was broken prior to her arrest. Both deputies activated their emergency lights and started a traffic stop, records show. Orange County Sheriff's Office diagram of traffic stop (Orange County Sheriff's Office)Body camera footage released by the sheriffโs office is cited in the inquiry. Iโm going to ask you to step out of the car or we are going to remove you from the car,โ Moore said. According to the inquiry, Moore then reached into the open window and tried to unlock the driverโs said door.
Former Orange County deputy facing perjury, battery charges
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A former deputy with the Orange County Sheriffโs Office is facing multiple criminal charges following accusation that he slammed a woman to the ground while making an arrest, according to the state attorneyโs office. Records show charges of perjury in an official proceeding, perjury when not in an official proceeding and battery were filed Wednesday morning against former deputy Ayler Cruz. Officials from the Orange County Sheriffโs Office said the charges stem from a Jan. 26, 2020 battery incident. According to the video, Cruz deployed his stun gun less than 10 seconds after getting out of his patrol car. The sheriffโs office said he didnโt follow the departmentโs use of force policy during the encounter.
Former Orange County deputy facing perjury, battery charges
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A former deputy with the Orange County Sheriffโs Office is facing multiple criminal charges, according to the state attorneyโs office. Records show charges of perjury in an official proceeding, perjury when not in an official proceeding and battery were filed Wednesday morning against former deputy Ayler Cruz. Officials from the Orange County Sheriffโs Office said the charges stem from a Jan. 26, 2020 battery incident. โNo one is more outraged than I am when a deputy is charged with a crime,โ Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. According to the video, Cruz deployed his stun gun less than 10 seconds after getting out of his patrol car.
After outrage over Florida Mall shooting, Orange County Sheriffโs Office unveils new video policy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ In the days after an Orange County deputy shot Salaythis Melvin in the back outside the Florida Mall, members of the community protested in Melvinโs memory and demanded that video be released to show what led to the fatal gunfire. More video released on Aug. 26, 2020 showed first responders trying to help Melvin as he laid bleeding in the parking lot. The agent who shot 22-year-old Melvin didnโt have his body camera activated at the time. Public outcry was swift as protesters marched outside the Florida Mall calling for justice, transparency and access to the body camera footage. In the aftermath of the shooting, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the situation was tricky because the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was reviewing the deputy-involved shooting, which is standard procedure.
Man injured after deputy-involved shooting in Orange County
A man suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound after an altercation with an Orange County deputy on Sunday, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. The injured man was shot in the leg and the deputy who opened fire is now on paid leave as the investigation continues, deputies said. Sheriff John Mina said one of his deputies shot a man in his leg after a traffic stop. The man, identified Monday as Edenilson Urbina, was driving a motorcycle and Mina said he had illegal tags. โWeโre still trying to determine that at this point, exactly what led up to the shooting,โ Mina said.
Orange County deputies investigating alleged carjacking
The Orange County Sheriffโs Office is investigating an alleged carjacking that took place on Saturday afternoon. Deputies said a woman in her 50s reported that her car was taken forcibly from her in the area of 4125 Clarcona Ocoee Road. The woman was injured, deputies said.
Orange County deputies, mental health clinicians team up as part of new pilot program
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Two Orange County deputies will be partnered up with mental health clinicians to respond to mental health crisis calls as part of a new sheriffโs office pilot program called the Behavioral Response Unit. The clinicians are mental health professionals with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and the deputies have received crisis intervention training. The deputy-clinician pairs also participated in 40 hours of behavioral response unit training earlier this month. โThey will be proactively on patrol, theyโll be listening to calls, theyโll be looking at our calls for service,โ OCSO Major Carlos Torres said. Chitwood said too many calls involving a person with a mental health crisis end in tragedy and could be avoided.
Deputies hope sketch will help identify gunman in fatal Orange County shooting
Orange County deputies release a sketch in hopes of identifying the gunman in a fatal shooting on Hermit Smith Road on Dec. 15, 2020. (Image: Orange County Sheriff's Office)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Orange County deputies have released a sketch of a person they believe could be the gunman in a fatal shooting earlier this week. [TRENDING: 250,000 chickens killed in fire | SpaceX launch to bring sonic booms | New stimulus could mean $600 direct payment]NEED TO ID: On 12/15 at 7:33 PM, OCSO responded to Hermit Smith Rd. If you have any info, call @CrimelineFL 800-423-8477 pic.twitter.com/ma3GRw9ivX โ Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) December 17, 2020According to a tweet, deputies donโt believe the shooting was random. Anyone with information about the shooting or who might be able to identify the person in the sketch is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
Deputies take several into custody after fight at Orange County mall
Several people were taken into custody after a fight at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets on Sunday, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. However, deputies said that contrary to initial reports, no shots were fired. Two victims in the altercation suffered minor injuries, one of which was hospitalized for treatment, deputies said.
21-year-old man dies after shooting in Orange County, deputies say
A 21-year-old man hospitalized following an Orange County shooting on Nov. 14 died two days later, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. The man, later identified as Keyrone Marionta Darez Giles, sustained gunshot wound in the 5300 block of Rose Avenue at 4:58 p.m., deputies said. Giles was taken to the hospital in critical conditions and died Monday from his injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
FDLE turns over investigation of Salaythis Melvin shooting to prosecutors
Salaythis Melvin was shot and killed by an Orange County Sheriffโs Office deputy on Aug. 7 while running away, according to deputies and body camera video of the incident. That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was at the time of the incident, body camera video shows. Deputies did not know the weapon was stolen until after the shooting, according to the attorneys for Melvinโs family. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriffโs Office. Melvinโs death spurred calls for the deputy to be fired and policy changes at the sheriffโs office.
Cold case: Arrest made in womanโs 1997 strangulation death
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Decades after the fact, Orange County deputies believe theyโve figured out who strangled a woman who was found dead inside an apartment on April 16, 1997. Deputies said they were called to a possible burglary at a residence on Lee Street and found 42-year-old Donna Byrd dead from strangulation. In September, deputies from the Orange County Sheriffโs Officeโs newly formed Cold Case Unit submitted the fingerprints for review and got a match for 51-year-old Jimmy Lee Mahone, according to a news release. Deputies in Orange County contacted officials at the Bibb County Sheriffโs Office in Georgia after they received information that Mahon could be in that area then on Tuesday, he was arrested in Macon on a murder charge, records show. Heโs being held in Macon until he can be extradited back to Florida.
2 teens wounded in Orange County; shooting tied to gang violence
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A teenage boy and a teenage girl were shot Saturday in Orange County, deputies said. The Orange County Sheriffโs Office said the victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. โThose were just two of the four drive-by shootings that have happened within this past week,โ Orange County Sheriff Mina said last month. โThere are some very violent gangs here at work in Orange County. Theyโre heavily armed and not afraid to use violence and donโt think twice about who they kill.โ
Orange County sheriff considers change in body camera policy after Florida Mall shooting
On Thursday, Mina requested the Orange County citizenโs advisory committee review language in a body worn camera policy. โYes it is important for us to release body worn camera video but only after initial interviews are done,โ Mina said. The sheriffโs office said they hope the policy backed by recommendations from the FDLE would put in writing what the sheriffโs office is trying to comply with. Mina told the citizens advisory committee he recommended an at least three-week timeframe to release body worn camera footage. โIt is important for us to release body worn camera video but only after initial interviews are done,โ he said.
Citizens advisory committee to review Orange County Sheriffโs Office body cam policy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The citizens advisory committee for the Orange County Sheriffโs Office is expected to discuss the departmentโs body camera policy during its virtual meeting on Thursday. The meeting comes two months after an Orange County sheriffโs deputy shot and killed Salaythis Melvin outside the Florida Mall. The sheriffโs office released body camera footage showing other deputies responding, but Montiel was not wearing a camera. The sheriffโs office said they are currently working on that policy, which is a separate policy from their current body camera policy, which is under review. Braswell said there is no timeline on how long they will review the policy or if the committee will make any recommendations.
Man barricades himself inside Apopka home, deputies say
A man with a warrant for his arrest has barricaded himself inside a home in Apopka, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. After deputies made contact with the man, he fled and barricaded himself inside of a home in the 1110 block of South Central Avenue, deputies said. [TRENDING: Tropical development chances increase in the Caribbean | The Latest: Doctor tried to show Trumpโs โupbeat attitudeโ | UCF Knights play Tulsa with new coronavirus rules for fans]The man eventually walked out of the home peacefully and was taken into custody, deputies said. One person has since exited the home, but deputies believe the man with the arrest warrant is still inside, deputies said. Check back to ClickOrlando.com for updates to this story.
Missing 11-year-old girl from Apopka found
An Amber Alert for a missing 11-year-old girl from Apopka was canceled on Saturday night after she was found and reported safe, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Authorities went looking for the 11-year-old girl, who was last seen Saturday afternoon in the area of the 1900 block of West Kelly Park Road in Apopka, authorities said. News 6 is not naming the child because an arrest has been made in connection with her disappearance.
Deputy uninjured after crash on Michigan Street in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. โ An Orange County deputy involved in a crash Thursday afternoon was not injured and the driver of the other vehicle involved was found at fault, according to Orlando police. The crash between an Orange County Sheriffโs Office patrol car and a red Honda happened at 3:23 p.m. near Michigan Street and Sunrise Court, Orlando police said. The deputy was uninjured and the driver of the Honda suffered minor injuries, authorities said. Traffic was diverted through a private parking lot temporarily until the crash scene was cleared. Authorities did not say what caused the crash.
Woman drowns in pool of Orlando hotel, deputies say
ORLANDO โ A woman drowned in a pool Saturday at the Clarion Hotel on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. Deputies said the woman was found face down at the bottom of the pool and after attempts to revive her, she was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The woman has not yet been identified, deputies said.
1 dead following shooting in Orange County, deputies say
One person died following a shooting in Orange County on Saturday, according to the Orange County Sheriffโs Office. The person died at the scene of a gunshot wound following a shooting at 704 20th Street, deputies say. The investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff John Mina considering policy changes after Salaythis Melvin shooting
Since then, hours of body camera video from the shooting has been released as protesters have called for the sheriff to fire the deputy who opened fire. When asked about the release of the video compared to other Central Florida agencies who release video sooner, the sheriff said he was following protocol. Daytona Beach police officers shot and killed an attempted murder suspect on Saturday morning, the department released the body camera video that night. โOur deputies are trained that anytime theyโre in fear for their life or the lives of others they are authorized to use deadly force,โ Mina said. The first body camera video from the shooting at the Florida Mall was released on the evening of Aug. 18, Floridaโs primary election day.
Orange County Citizens Advisory Committee says use of force policy needs adjustments, lists recommendations
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County Sheriffs Office Citizens Advisory Committee has submitted its use of force policy recommendations to Sheriff John Mina outlining improvements to the agencys new duty to intervene policy. Its nine members met virtually during the coronavirus pandemic to formulate best practices and review the sheriffs office policies. The sheriffs office should also further clarify if and when chokeholds are permitted. The second set of recommendations asks the sheriffs office to revise its language surrounding its excessive force policy, the committee asking to include this policy directly with the agencys overall use of force policy. [MORE COVERAGE: Use of force policy update: Orange County deputies now have duty to intervene]OCSO recently added duty to intervene in June, when it tasked the CAC to review its use of force policies.
Mothers protest for Salaythis Melvin, call on deputy who killed him to be fired
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Protests continued outside the Orange County Sheriffโs Office three weeks after a deputy shot and killed a man at the Florida Mall. That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriffโs Office. The sheriffโs office released more body camera video this week. He said he asked the mall and sheriffโs office for the video, but he hasnโt received it.
Volusia, Orange deputies attempted to conceal stolen guns, FDLE finds
FDLE officials said Deputy Brian Calkins, with the Orange County Sheriffโs Office, gave Volusia County Deputy Phillip Donaldson two firearms he said he got from a cousin. Calkins asked Donaldson to dispose of the revolver and semi-automatic pistol, according to the FDLE investigation. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood requested the FDLE investigation in June, according to the FDLE. The Orange County Sheriffโs Office said Calkins was hired in May 2018 and assigned to youth services. He was formerly employed by the Volusia County Sheriffโs Office, records show.
Orange County Sheriffโs Office citizens advisory committee to make recommendations on use of force policy
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The Orange County Sheriffโs Office Citizens Advisory Committee is expected to finalize and vote on recommendations itโs making for the agencyโs use of force policy during its meeting on Thursday. Chairperson Allie Braswell said the committee has worked for months to come up with the recommendations. The committee is meeting virtually Thursday night, nearly three weeks after an Orange County sheriffโs deputy shot and killed Salaythis Melvin outside the Florida Mall. He said they wonโt get the opportunity to review it until after the FDLE, the State Attorneyโs Office, and the sheriffโs office completes their investigations, which is standard procedure. The citizens advisory committee virtual meeting starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more information.
New body camera video doesnโt offer insight into what led to deputy fatally shooting Salaythis Melvin
That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. The Sheriffโs Office said its records department is going through more than 10 hours of body worn camera footage surrounding the shooting before it can be made public. I was just involved in an officer-involved shooting,โ Montiel says to someone while speaking on his radio. On Thursday, the sheriffโs office released more video showing the aftermath of the shooting. He said they also plan to sue the Sheriffโs Office and are demanding policy changes.
Protesters march near Florida Mall where 22-year-old was fatally shot by deputy
ORLANDO, Fla. โ About 100 protesters took to the streets around Florida Mall on Friday, demanding answers in the deputy-involved shooting death of Salaythis Melvin. The Florida Mall shut down early Friday ahead of a planned protest. He and the other protesters who gathered called on the Orange County Sheriffโs Office to criminally charge the deputy who fired his weapon. โWe need the sheriff, we need the Orange County mayor, we need all of them to take direct action,โ he said. Orange County Sheriffโs Office deputies are ordering the protesters to leave the roadway and disperse immediately.
Deputy didnโt use racial slur after man was shot at Florida Mall, sheriffโs office says
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ After body camera video was released showing an Orange County deputy shooting a man in the back outside the Florida Mall, attorneys representing the family of the man who was killed said it was possible that one of the deputies may have used a racial slur. On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriffโs Office addressed the allegation in a statement posted on social media. The footage in question shows the moments after Orange County Sheriffโs Office Agent James Montiel opened fire on Salaythis Melvin on Aug. 7 outside the Florida Mall as the 22-year-old was running away. The video provided by the Sheriffโs Office, embedded above, shows several deputies approaching Melvin as he was lying on the pavement. [READ MORE: Demonstrators call for Orange County deputyโs body camera video to be released | โWe want justice:โ Family demands answers in fatal deputy-involved shooting outside Florida Mall]The Orange County Sheriffโs Office said it launched an inquiry.
โMake them think twice:โ Family of man killed by Orange County deputy demands policy changes
That warrant was not for Melvin and deputies did not know who he was, even asking his name in the body camera video. Melvin died of a single gunshot wound to the back, according to the Sheriffโs Office. โSheriff Mina, is this a good policy to have unmarked vehicles and unmarked officers, serving arrest warrants?โ Haynes asked. A spokesperson for the sheriffโs Office said they were notified Tuesday the FDLE completed its last initial interview. News 6 asked the sheriffโs office to explain the process it took to release the videos and weโre waiting for a response.
Orange County deputies continue searching for possible drowning victim
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orange County Sheriff's Office and Belle Isle police are continuing their search efforts after receiving reports of a man possibly drowning in the lake. OCSO said around 7:53 p.m. Saturday they responded to the 2900 block of Nela Avenue in reference to a possible drowning. The marine patrol with the sheriff's office searched the waters Saturday night. "This is a sad Sunday morning for us to hear that there might be a possibility of someone in the water," Rivera said. "It's very concerning because this is somebody's loved one that's a possibility that's out there and we don't know who this is going to affect," she said.
Demonstrators call for Orange County deputyโs body camera video to be released
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ A group of demonstrators walked in front of cars in a busy Orange County intersection Friday afternoon calling for the Sheriffโs Office to release body camera video from the deputy who fatally shot a 22-year-old in the back last week. The deputy drew his firearm and told Melvin to drop his gun but Melvin instead ran, according to the affidavit. Melvinโs family and friends have demanded answers and asked the Sheriffโs Office to release video from the deputyโs body camera. On Friday, protesters on Orange Blossom Trail carried signs and wore T-shirts with Melvinโs photo demanding the video to be released. Demonstrators inside Florida Mall demand the release of body camera video showing a fatal deputy-involved shooting.
Arrest made in Orange County fatal shooting from January
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Detectives have made an arrest in the fatal shooting of Dominic Bolden, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Antwoin Turner, 32, is facing a first degree murder charge, according to the Sheriffs Office. HOMICIDE ARREST: Detectives arrested Antwoin Turner (32) on charges of first degree murder in connection with the killing of Dominic Fabrece Bolden who was killed on January 24. pic.twitter.com/BuCOc3ctct Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) July 24, 2020Bolden was shot and killed around 5 p.m. on Jan 24 on the 1400 block of Goldenrod Road. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.