Police identify suspect accused of shooting at Orlando officers during traffic stop
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police have identified the man they say fired at deputies during a traffic stop on Wednesday. Police Chief Orlando Rolón said the officers returned fire and the driver fled the scene near Mercy Drive and WD Judge Drive around 2 p.m. Wednesday. READ: Man injured after opening fire on Orlando officers during traffic stop, chief saysAs of Thursday, police said Roberts Jr. is in stable condition. PHOTOS: Orlando police investigating officer-involved shootingExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Orlando officer-involved shooting Orlando police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on Wednesday afternoon. (WFTV.com News Staff)Video: Man injured after opening fire on Orlando officers during traffic stop, chief says Two Orlando police officers were shot at when they tried to pull over a car that passed them at a high rate of speed in a no-passing zone, the chief said.
wftv.comOrlando police harnessing technology to help fight crime with new crime center
Orlando police crime center The Orlando Police Department showcased its new crime center designed to help keep people in the city safe. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department showcased its new crime center on Wednesday. Police said the center provides a way for technology to better assist officers in the field, particularly through body-worn cameras. At the crime center at OPD headquarters, detectives are able to follow an officer’s every move by monitoring their cameras when needed. Chief Orlando Rolón said the idea for the crime center came about in 2019 and came together last fall.
wftv.comLooking to work in law enforcement? Orlando police hosting career fair this week
ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’ve ever thought about seeking a career in law enforcement, this week is your chance to learn more. The Orlando Police Department is hosting a career fair on Saturday for attendees to learn more about launching a successful law enforcement career. Video: Retiring Orlando police chief Orlando Rolón reflects on 30-year career, what comes next Chief Orlando Rolón is preparing to leave office after a 30-year career at the Orlando Police Department. (Jeff Deal, WFTV.com)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comRetiring Orlando police chief Orlando Rolón reflects on 30-year career, what comes next
Police Chief Orlando Rolón He said he hopes his role has provided inspiration to others in the department and the community. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that Deputy Chief Eric Smith has been named as the next Orlando police chief, retiring Chief Orlando Rolón is preparing to leave office after a 30-year career at the Orlando Police Department. Rolón said making the decision wasn’t easy because he loves the department, loves the city and feels there’s more to do. READ: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirementHe said he’s often asked about taking a knee with Sheriff John Mina during the Black Lives Matter protests, but explained, he told the protestors they weren’t taking a knee against law enforcement. Video: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirementClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comOrlando mayor names next police chief
Deputy Chief Eric Smith Deputy Chief Eric Smith will take over as the 40th chief of the department. The announcement comes less than a week after Chief Orlando Rolón said he would retire Nov. 1, with his last day of work being Aug. 19. Dyer said Deputy Chief Eric Smith will take over as the 40th chief of the department. READ: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirement“It’s a honor to be able to lead the men and women of OPD,” Smith said following the announcement. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced Deputy Chief Eric Smith as next police chief of the Orlando Police Department.
wftv.comCity of Orlando honors neighborhood watch groups with street signs
VIDEO: City of Orlando honors neighborhood watch groups with street signs VIDEO: City of Orlando honors neighborhood watch groups with street signs (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Neighborhood watch groups across the country serve as eyes and ears for their neighbors and help local police departments spot suspicious activity. On Monday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Police Chief Orlando Rolón and city commissioners Regina Hill and Tony Ortiz unveiled the Neighborhood Watch of the Year signs for 2020 and 2021. The 2020 Honoree, the Rock Lake Neighborhood Watch Group has been actively promoting crime prevention and neighborhood watch for more than 20 years. The Rock Lake Neighborhood Watch Group’s priority is to keep their neighborhood welcoming, extending their reach into the neighboring community of Lake Lorna Doone. Read: New land speed record set by autonomous Indy race car at Kennedy Space CenterCity of Orlando residents can start a neighborhood watch group for their street, block, neighborhood, apartment complex or condominium community by contacting the Orlando Police Department at orlando.gov/police.
wftv.comSearch underway after man killed in Orlando shooting
ORLANDO, Fla. — A search is underway after a man was shot and killed in Orlando. READ: Orlando police investigating fatal shooting in Richmond HeightsSearch underway after man killed in Orlando shooting (WFTV.com News Staff)The shooter is still on the run this morning. READ: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirementThey said that person left the scene and has not been identified. READ: Man convicted in 1973 murder-for-hire accused of using pocketknife to slash another man at WalmartSee a map of the area below. Search underway after man killed in Orlando shooting (WFTV.com News Staff)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comOrlando police investigating fatal shooting in Richmond Heights
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police are investigating a fatal shooting on the west side of town. READ: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirementThey arrived to find the victim already dead on the scene. Police say they’re aware of a person of interest in the case who left the scene and hasn’t been identified. They say they’re unsure what that person’s involvement was, if any. READ: Man convicted in 1973 murder-for-hire accused of using pocketknife to slash another man at WalmartNo information on a possible suspect has been released.
wftv.comOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announces retirement
Annual Orange County Law Enforcement Meorial Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon gave remarks at the ceremony honoring the heroes lost in 2021. ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón has announced he will retire later this summer, concluding 30 years of service with the department. Rolón said he intends to retire Nov. 1, and his last day of work will be Aug. 19. Rolón became chief in October 2018 and the first Hispanic person to serve in the role in 143 years. “It has been an amazing and rewarding journey during my career with the Orlando Police Department.
wftv.comOrange County students in law enforcement program head to nation’s capital
ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 40 Orange County high school students are headed to the nation’s capital. WATCH: ‘Political retribution’: Demings denounces decision to strip Disney’s self-governing powerThanks to the support of local organizations, students in the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement program at Jones and Lake Nona high schools traveled to Washington, D.C. on Friday for a field trip. “The Orlando Police Department initiated the Youth Engagement Strategy to engage youth in more positive relationships with law enforcement officers, with the goal of investing in the academic success of our youth,” said Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolón. WATCH: Florida House passes congressional map drawn by DeSantis despite protestThe Kiwanis Club of Orlando donated over $74,000 to make this field trip happen. “We wanted the opportunity to invest in our students, ensuring that this field trip can take place.
wftv.comMemorial bench to be dedicated in honor of fallen Orlando Officer Kevin Valencia
ORLANDO, Fla. — A memorial bench will be dedicated to fallen Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia on Tuesday. In 2018, Valencia was shot in the line of duty while trying to save children from a domestic violence situation. Police Chief Orlando Rolón will join Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando Police Department as the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) will present the bench in honor of Valencia. READ: ‘He made me laugh all the time’: Wife of fallen Orlando police officer remembers husband as fun-loving family manOfficials said Valencia’s wife, Meghan, and members of his squad will be present for the installation of the bench. Photos: Remembering fallen Orlando police Officer Kevin ValenciaExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Officer Kevin Valencia's funeralClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comJefe de Policía de Orlando dona 15 carros de patrulla a policía en ciudad de Puerto Rico
El jefe de la Policía de Orlando, Orlando Rolón, llegó a Puerto Rico con 15 carros de patrulla para donarlos al Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Ponce el jueves como gesto de apoyo para ayudar la isla en sus esfuerzos de recuperación.
53 Fentanyl dealers arrested in 9-month operation, Orlando police say
ORLANDO, Fla. — Police said they arrested 53 Fentanyl dealers over a span of nine months during a special operation in Orlando. Police said the department’s Special Enforcement Division’s Overdose Unit made the arrests during “Operation Good Call.” They said that name came from the many phone calls detectives made to buy Fentanyl and then subsequently arrest the dealers. READ: COVID-19 delta strain could become dominant variant“Fentanyl addiction is a problem that impacts the entire community, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or age,” said Police Chief Orlando Rolón in a statement. “The drug is so potent, it is claiming lives at a rapidly increasing rate.”The department’s overdose unit is set to discuss the operation at 10 a.m. on Friday. READ: 3 people found dead in Parramore apartment buildingStay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.
wftv.com‘Our hero:’ Fallen Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia honored at funeral
ORLANDO, Fla. – Tears were shed and stories were shared as Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia was honored and remembered Wednesday at his funeral. His wife, Meghan Valencia, spoke as did Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón, Valencia’s coworkers and friends during a ceremony that lasted for several hours. Officer William Thomas from the Orlando Police Department said he never expected to be speaking at Valencia’s funeral. RIGHT NOW: @OrlandoPDChief speaking at fallen officer’s Kevin Valencia’s funeral: “He was a leader who put the needs of others before his own.” pic.twitter.com/yiKkjqMJVa — Jerry Askin (@JerryAskinNews6) March 24, 2021He added that Valencia was a family man above all. Before the ceremony began at First Baptist Orlando, the hearse carrying Valencia’s body arrived and the Orlando Police Department performed a tribute.
‘They’re responding to the unknown:’ Orlando police chief reminds of officers’ sacrifices after Colorado mass shooting
ORLANDO, Fla. – Across the country, flags are at half-staff in honor of the victims of a deadly mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday. [TRENDING: ‘Tragedy and nightmare:’ 10 killed in Colorado | Fla. woman who coughed on cancer patients could face jail time | AstraZeneca may have used outdated info in vaccine trial]AdOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón is reacting to the tragedy. https://t.co/4NxhmiBTJ2 — Chief Orlando Rolón (@OrlandoPDChief) March 23, 2021He said what happened in Boulder is devastating all the way around, but is also an example of the sacrifice made by officers daily. He said his department has made changes especially after the Pulse Nightclub Shooting in Orlando and the shooting in Las Vegas. There’s now a growing memorial outside of the Orlando Police Department in Valencia’s honor.
Turnout lower than expected as FEMA COVID-19 vaccine site opens in Orlando
The Orlando FEMA site is one of four opening in the state, with the others being in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. The site will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and is expected to remain open for at least eight weeks, according to the Orlando Police Department. [TRENDING: Massive fire breaks out at Orlando condo complex | 6 Dr. Seuss books canceled | Shaq, the big-time wrestler]AdLt. Col. We can see people lining up outside @fema mass vaccination site at Valencia College West Campus. He said more than 100 Orlando officers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year and said they are particularly vulnerable because they can’t always social distance or wear masks.
Here’s your chance to tell Orlando police how you feel about them
ORANDO, Fla. – A police consulting group will be taking comments from people Monday night on how Orlando police officers interact with their community. “We’re looking at every potential interaction with the police in the Orlando community and we want to make sure we understand people’s perceptions and their interactions with the police,” Bowman said. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón welcomes the review. “The City of Orlando has opted to bring them in to evaluate us, although there is not that level of a concern for the Orlando Police Department,” Rolón said. The consulting group will hold another virtual meeting seeking comments on Wednesday.
Certain downtown Orlando bars could get a lot of traffic this Halloween weekend amid COVID-19 pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. – City officials announced they will allow open containers in some high traffic areas on Saturday. “I didn’t think there was going to be an event until next year, to be honest with you,” Green said. “You have to be alert, you have to assume that everyone has the virus,” Dr. Pino said. During a news conference, Mayor Jerry Demings said Orlando police and the city have partnered to ensure the safety of bar owners and patrons. Mayor Demings said ambassadors will be downtown and in communication with bar, owners to ensure they are following best practices.
Open containers will be allowed in certain areas of downtown Orlando Halloween weekend
ORLANDO, Fla. – In order to keep large crowds from gathering inside bars during what could be a busy Halloween weekend, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said open containers of alcohol will be allowed in certain high-traffic areas of downtown Orlando. Rolón said open containers will be allowed on the streets and sidewalks within the perimeter, not in parking garages or surface parking lots. Both Chatmon and Rolón said allowing open containers within a certain area of downtown will create more space for people to spread out. “The intent here is to not have everybody inside the establishments elbow to elbow, but to allow them to walk around freely in those specific defined areas,” Rolón said. There will also be increased security downtown with Orlando police officers, uniformed security and the ambassadors.
Here’s how the City of Orlando plans to address racial inequality
ORLANDO, Fla. – On Wednesday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners joined Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón to jumpstart a new trust initiative to address racial inequality in The City Beautiful. The Community Trust and Equity Initiative is Central Florida‘s next phase of action, city leaders said. “There are elements of law enforcement that should not be into law enforcement. There are elements in law enforcement that we should not let into law enforcement,” Nelson said. Community engagement and input will be critical in the initiative and the city is encouraging Orlando residents to visit orlando.gov/equity to sign up for updates and learn about future opportunities.
Orlando officials lift 8 p.m. curfew in downtown Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced Saturday that the 8 p.m. curfew in downtown Orlando will be lifted Sunday. Officials had originally decided to enforce the 8 p.m. curfew in downtown Orlando as demonstrations swept throughout the streets. According to officials, the 10 p.m. citywide curfew remains in effect until further notice. During a news conference, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón said a majority of the protest and demonstrations that take place in the city are peaceful. READ MORE: 8 p.m. curfew announced in downtown Orlando as George Floyd protests continue
Not social distancing? Orlando police will hand out Stay-At-Home flyers to violators
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón said on Tuesday his officers have been seeing people out and about while the stay-at-home order is still in effect in Orange County. "What's sad is that someone will always push the limit that enforces our hand and potentially take some sort of enforcement action," Rolón said. The flyers explain in English and in Spanish the Stay-At-Home guidelines and what residents can and cannot do. “The point here is that obviously the City of Orlando is doing an amazing job to try and keep everyone informed. The chief mentioned the executive order is not about arresting people but rather educating the community during this time.
Kidnapping suspect shot by Orlando police officer, chief says
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando police officer shot a kidnapping suspect at a shopping center on West Colonial Drive Wednesday morning, Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolón said. Police said the shooting happened at 2124 West Colonial Drive in the Western Way Shopping Center parking lot. Investigators are interviewing the second suspect in the vehicle involved in the kidnapping and the kidnapping victim, who were both unharmed. The Orlando Police Department later identified the officer who shot Billings as Officer Kyle Medvetz, who was hired by the department in 2013. De'Angelo Stephenson (Orange County Jail)Rolón said the sergeant who saw the kidnapping was not the officer who shot the suspect.
From sweet treat citations to snakes in custody, Central Florida’s first responders do it all
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida's first responders are some of the best and the work they do that goes beyond what their job description requires of them is proof. (Image: Orlando Police Department)Once a member of the Orlando Police Department, always a member of the Orlando Police Department. Of course, the proclamation was presented to Van Scoyoc during his birthday celebration. [MORE: Central Florida man lives out dream of being EMT for Orlando Fire Department | After 40 minutes of CPR, Clermont father's life is saved]See? Their work is never done, yet that doesn't seem to stop Central Florida's first responders from going the extra mile.