WINTER PARK, Fla. – Two people are in custody following a shooting in Winter Park, where a Seminole County deputy was shot in the ankle, authorities said.
[PICS: Cops investigate shooting ]
The shooting was reported on North Semoran Boulevard at Aloma Avenue at around 2:50 p.m. on Thursday.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office said they were investigating a string of Altamonte burglaries and attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle with a man and woman inside. The suspects took off in a vehicle for several miles, rammed two vehicles, including an unmarked patrol car, and crashed into other cars at Semoran Boulevard and Aloma Avenue.
The two suspects got out of the vehicle and the male suspect, identified as Christian Joy, 21, allegedly shot Seminole County Deputy Sheriff Brian Mahan in the ankle, SCSO said. Deputies then returned fire, hitting Joy, who is listed in critical condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
The female suspect, identified Emmalee French, was taken to Winter Park Hospital with minor injuries. She was charged with resisting officers without violence.
Joy, a convicted felon who was released from prison a month ago, is charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. According to the deputy report, Joy tried to shoot another deputy, but his gun jammed.
Mahan, who has been with SCSO for three years, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from Florida Hospital Altamonte, according to officials.
"My family and I are very appreciative of the outpouring of support the community has shown," Mahan said in a statement sent to News 6. "This was an unfortunate situation, but I'm happy to say that I am doing well and on the road to recovery."
A investigator whose vehicle was rammed during the initial traffic stop was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
"We ask the community to join us in wishing Deputy Mahan a speedy recovery," SCSO said in a Facebook post.
Semoran Boulevard was shut down as the investigation continued. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes via Tuskawilla Road, Eastbrook Boulevard, Howell Branch Road, Lakemont Avenue and Lake Howell Road.
News 6 helicopter Sky 6 flew over the shooting scene where the intersection was taped off and patrol cars were scattered across the roadway.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.
Other drivers involved in the crashes suffered minor injuries.
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