TAFT, Fla. – Orange County sheriff's deputies shot a man Wednesday night during a traffic stop after he pointed a gun at them, according to authorities.
The shooting happened around 9:20 p.m. near Third Avenue in the Taft area.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said the traffic stop was initiated by deputies with a tactical investigative unit in unmarked cars.
Officials said the driver got out with a handgun and pointed it at deputies, who opened fire and struck the man. It's not known why the man threatened the deputies, officials said.
The man was identified Thursday evening as 51-year-old James Johnson from Eustis.
The driver was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, officials said. His condition is not known.
According to court records, Johnson was pulled over by a deputy. When he got out of his truck, the report says he pointed his semi-automatic gun at the deputy.
The deputy fired back and Johnson fell to the ground.
He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, officials said.
A woman who was a passenger in the car, identified Thursday evening as 31-year-old Tarah Shayne Greer, was not injured. She was questioned by investigators.
The deputies were not injured.
Deputy David Belardes, Deputy Thomas Boggs and Deputy Carlos Landin have been placed on administrative leave, which is normal procedure in officer-involved shootings.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this developing story.