Deputies shoot armed man playing loud music at Sweetwater Country Club

Orange County Sheriff's Office, FDLE to investigate shooting

APOPKA, Fla. – Four deputies shot and critically wounded a man who they say pointed a gun at them during a confrontation early Wednesday at the Sweetwater Country Club near Apopka, officials said.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said deputies were called early Wednesday because loud music was coming from a home on Majestic Oak Drive.

Deputies said 49-year-old Eric Schmidt came out of the house with a loaded gun.

"It is our understanding he pointed the gun at deputies and they fired, striking him," Mina said. "They rendered first-aid on scene and he was transported to the hospital, where he is listed in critical condition."

Schmidt refused to comply with multiple commands to drop the weapon, according to the report. He was shot in the abdomen, the left side of his chest, his left thigh, his right ankle and his right hand.

The deputies were not hurt.

A woman was in the home but did not witness the shooting, nor was she injured, according to Mina. She told deputies that Schmidt often played music on the home's patio, which is adjacent to the neighbor's bedroom.

Mina said deputies were called to the same home twice in March because of loud music and a man who was drunk. Mina said the man was beligerent toward deputies during at least one of those calls.

Deputies said they also received information that Schmidt had made comments in the past indicating that he would shoot any law enforcement officer who stepped foot on his property.

The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in law enforcement shootings.

Mina said his agency and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the shooting.

In a tweet, the Orange County Sheriff's Office asked people to avoid the area.

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

 


About the Author:

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.

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