ORLANDO ROLON

The man at the center of the case that brought Florida’s Stand Your Ground law to the national conversation said he doesn’t think the law applies to a Marion County woman accused of manslaughter.

The Orlando Police Chief amended his retirement date on Tuesday due to an accepted job offer, according to the City of Orlando.

Law enforcement in Orange County and Orlando are teaming up federal authorities to set up a new initiative in the area to help report possible homemade explosives.

New video showing the start of chaos erupting at Lake Eola during the city’s fireworks show was released by the Orlando Police Department during a news conference Tuesday.

The man injured in a shootout with Orlando police officers during an attempted traffic stop has been identified.

By all accounts, James Baker — instantly recognizable by his hulking 6 feet, 5 inches frame, bulging biceps and tattoo-covered arms — is an effective police officer within the Orlando Police Department’s Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU).

A man was injured in a shootout with Orlando police officers, according to the police chief.

As Orlando’s first Hispanic police chief prepares to retire later this year, the 30-year agency veteran said he’s considering a run for public office.

Orlando Chief of Police Orlando Rolón submitted his resignation letter to the mayor’s office Wednesday after approximately four years in the position.

Some Neighborhood Watch groups struggle with participation and interest. Many neighbors don’t seem to care. No one wants to lead or get involved.

Orlando police are investigating two fatal hit-and-runs that happened just hours apart Monday evening.

Chief Orlando Rolon spoke to News 6 about the recruitment troubles he’s seen over the last two years, mostly due to the pandemic and social unrest around the country.

The Orlando Police Dept. release body camera video of the in-custody death of Isaiah Payne.

Orlando police officers arrested a man accused of attacking a crossing guard in Orange County on Thursday, according to investigators.

Fallen Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia received a new honor Tuesday.

An investigation is underway after a man died during an arrest, according to the Orlando Police Department.

Three Orlando police officers were taken to a hospital after exposure to a “substance," according to the department.

The Orlando Police Dept. trains for nearly the exact scenario with their virtual training simulator: an armed suicidal person headed for a crowded building.

The mother of a Jones High school student shot and killed Saturday evening wants to know who opened fire on her son and why.

Social unrest, negative headlines, COVID-19: those are just some of the things local sheriffs and chiefs listed when News 6 asked them about recruitment troubles.

The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving has come to be known in modern times as being one of the busiest bar nights of the year.

A man, woman and teen were found dead in an Orlando condo in what appears to be a murder-suicide, police say.

Nearly 24 hours since two shootings that left seven people injured in downtown Orlando, investigators have yet to make an arrest.

Two shootings leave seven wounded in downtown Orlando, police say.

Officers with the Orlando Police Department gathered virtually for National Day of Prayer on Thursday.

After two recent attacks on police officers, Orlando's police chief is bringing attention to an issue of keeping repeat criminal offenders off the streets.

Newly released body-worn camera video details how a shootout involving three young men and two Orlando police officers unfolded.

The Orlando Police Department is responding to an officer-involved shooting.

The Orlando police chief says his department is in the final stages of outfitting all officers with upgraded body cameras, as his department continues to expand transparency and add layers of safety for both the public and the officers.

Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said he’s invested into making sure his department is even more transparent after an independent review of his agency found that OPD lacks data collection.

There were heated conversations and candid discussions at a community meeting Tuesday aimed at bridging the gap between the Orlando Police Department and the community they serve.

Hundreds of protestors blocked a major road in Orlando on Tuesday to show support for people in Cuba.

After nearly two decades, authorities have made an arrest in at least two sexual battery cases by the “Woodline Rapist” with the help of genetic genealogy, according to a news release.

OneBlood brought it’s “Big Red Bus” to Orlando City Hall on Friday where local leaders, such as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Sheriff John Mina, and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, teamed up to donate their blood.

An arrest is made in connection with a downtown Orlando homicide.

Orlando police continue searching for the person or people who shot and killed 16-year-old Evans High sophomore, Tavyiah King early Sunday morning.

Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said his officers acted appropriately when conducting a stop of two black men riding their bikes on Monday night.

As part of his field training, Orlando police recruit Officer Wakens Leonard was required to meet virtually with the people he will serve in his community before serving them.

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.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Three men, including two Orlando police officers, were injured early Thursday in a two-vehicle, wrong-way crash, authorities said. The crash happened on Princeton Street near John Young Parkway. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon told reporters Thursday afternoon both officers required surgery. “I’m telling you the good Lord has been watching over officers here in the city of Orlando,” Rolon said. AdOn Wednesday, another officer was involved in a crash during the procession escorting fallen Officer Kevin Valencia to an Orlando funeral home.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Officers with Orlando Police Department on Wednesday escorted the body of Officer Kevin Valencia from Lake County to his final resting place. The Orlando Police Department announced Monday that Valencia had died of his injuries. The procession began around 10 a.m. Wednesday in Leesburg and concluded at Baldwin Fairchild funeral home in Orlando. During the 55-mile journey, the vehicle carrying Valencia was escorted by a formal procession of vehicles, motorcycles and officers to honor the fallen police officer. It hurts, but our officers are strong,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – When a police officer puts on their uniform and starts a shift, there’s always a chance they might not come home, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said Tuesday following the passing of Officer Kevin Valencia, who died this week more than two years after he was shot while responding to a hostage situation. Valencia was shot in the head on June 11, 2018 as he tried to enter an Orlando apartment where a man had barricaded himself and four children inside. After 33 months, including rehabilitation, the Orlando Police Department announced Monday Valencia had died of his injuries. Ad[RELATED: What is qualified immunity and how has it impacted Central Florida law enforcement?] (WKMG)Valencia was afforded the ability to do the job he was trained for with qualified immunity, Rolon said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia has died from injuries he suffered during a standoff on June 11, 2018 when he was shot, according to the Orlando Police Department. “It is with deep regret and heartache that I inform you of the passing of Officer Kevin Valencia,” Chief Orlando Rolon said in a statement Monday. Officer Kevin Valencia risked his life for this community and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. Officer Kevin Valencia risked his life for this community and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This evening, Officer Kevin Valencia was escorted by our officers, as well as those from other agencies.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police officers are taking a new approach to raising the next generation of law enforcement leaders. The Junior Reserve Law Enforcement program was created for freshman and sophomores at Jones High School and Lake Nona High School. Cliff Long from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association said he wanted to educate young people more about unity. He said he approached Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon about the idea months ago. “To help even those who have gone into a bit of trouble and help put them back on track,” Chief Orlando Rolon said.

This coming after an angry mob of violent Trump supporters forced their way inside the Capitol. It looked like it was a normal day in D.C,” Montiero said. As a trained law enforcement officer, Montiero was asked why the Capitol police didn’t use more force. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon shared his thoughts from the incident at the Capitol. He said in fact the law enforcement response to the protest in D.C. just made him mad.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 15-year-old was shot to death Tuesday afternoon in Orlando, and investigators are seeking information to track down the killer, police said. The fatal shooting of Antwan Roberts Jr. was reported around 2 p.m. in the 700 block of Columbia Street near West Gore Street and Parramore Avenue. RIGHT NOW: @OrlandoPolice are working a fatal shooting on Columbia Street. On Wednesday, grief counselors were at the high school in the wake of the teen’s death. Anyone with information about the crime or the suspect is urged to call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423 TIPS.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando mother Michelle Parker disappeared nine years ago Tuesday after appearing on a reality TV show, and she is still missing. On the anniversary of her disappearance Parker’s familt and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon discussed the questions they are still trying to answer. “It’s been a long nine years and the hurt does not go away,” Brad Parker, Michelle’s father said. Gayle Parker, Michelle’s stepmother, said the 33-year-old mom was last seen with her children at her ex’s house. Anyone with information concerning Parker’s whereabouts is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ten Orlando police officers will be dedicated to five high-crime areas around the city tasked exclusively with getting to know the community they serve, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon announced Monday. The new Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU) will not be a “call-taking unit.” Officers will assist with crime but will primarily spend their days walking, talking, meeting and greeting. The officers, working in pairs, will get to know people in five areas around Orlando where gun violence has spiked this year. Yong Hall, the supervisor over the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, said the officers will work to build and rebuild trust. “Our goals are to have everyone in the community know our neighborhood officers by name.”Hall said a new grant has allowed OPD to hire more officers to be able to dedicate the 10 exclusively to the Neighborhood Patrol Unit.

The task force is a result of seven shootings involving teens and children under the age of 17 in recent months. In each of these case, Orange County Sheriff John Mina reported they have received only six Crimeline tips or less. “The community working with the agencies, working with all the parties involved in the process is key,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings broke up the task force into subcommittees with four main objectives: prevention, intervention, enforcement and prosecution. He’s given the task force 120 days to set recommendations and actionable goals to fight gun violence.

LIVE LOOK | Long line forms at Volusia County voting location LIVE LOOK | Long line forms for voting at McInnis Elementary in Volusia County. In Marion County, voters are also set to surpass 2016 total turnout with 72% by 3 p.m. In fact, President Trump made several campaign stops here within the last couple of weeks. pic.twitter.com/qb22CE2U4e — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) November 3, 202010:08 a.m.More people have voted in Orange County, Florida, this year than in 2016. Florida residents will also get to vote on six state constitutional amendments, including an increase on minimum wage.

Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said he’s bringing back the neighborhood patrol unit so officers can better understand the areas they serve, and help improve relationships between community members and police. It’s a program that, unfortunately when violent crime took a spike in the 2008 era, we did away with most of our resources when it comes to the neighborhood patrol unit so we could form violent-offender-type units to bring down violent crime activity. Changes include 10 additional officers reviving the neighborhood patrol unit and the department getting funding through the COPS grant and additional budgetary funds through the City of Orlando. “Walk them through the community, introduce them to people so community members will be familiar with them... the relationship between law enforcement and community is essential in transforming the community,” Andrews said. OPD will livestream another conversation with community members Friday at 7 p.m. on its Facebook page.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Daisy Lynum, who spent 16 years serving on Orlando’s city council, has died. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon announced the news in a tweet Thursday evening, although he didn’t provide further details about Lynum’s cause of death. On behalf of the @OrlandoPolice Department, condolences to the Lynum family on the passing of former @citybeautiful Commissioner Daisy Lynum. pic.twitter.com/uq3q4a2dby — Chief Orlando Rolón (@OrlandoPDChief) October 8, 2020Lynum served from 1998 until she retired in 2014. Commissioner Regina Hill now represents the district Lynum served.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The newest recruiting class from Orlando Police met with community members on Thursday in an effort to build relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve. Chief Orlando Rolon said the opportunities for conversation are critical to help build the trust necessary for successful community policing. “Allowing (officers) an opportunity to hear from the people that we serve from the different neighborhoods that make Orlando the city that it is, is golden,” Rolon said. “It kind of sets what we know the expectations of their police officers are,” Torres said. “I don’t want them to think that we’re being targeted just because of the color of our skin,” Duffus said.

ORLANDO, Fla. A woman was rescued Tuesday morning after she lost control of car, which flipped upside down into a retention pond off Interstate 4 in Orlando, police said. Heavy delays on EB I-4 approaching Conroy Rd. https://t.co/oKwLRG3MLM pic.twitter.com/tKhlIo8pBj Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020Were on scene at a vehicle into a pond along EB I-4 at the Conroy on-ramp. https://t.co/oKwLRG3MLM pic.twitter.com/z1db02yx79 Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020OFD divers on scene of a vehicle submerged into a retention pond at I4 Eastbound and Conroy. pic.twitter.com/SqGBG4YwoQ Orlando Fire Dept (@OrlandoFireDept) September 8, 2020ALERT : OPD Units responded to an emergency call of a single vehicle crash into a retention pond.

ORLANDO, Fla. A woman was shot and killed Tuesday morning outside an Orlando credit union, and a search is underway for the suspected shooter, police said. The fatal shooting was reported at the Navy Federal Credit Union on Garden Parks Boulevard, west of John Young Parkway and north of the Mall at Millenia. Orlando police said the woman, who worked at the credit union, was shot by a man whom she knows. You can tell that shes trying to get inside (the credit union). pic.twitter.com/Ms2fSUhZVS Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020#BREAKING: @OrlandoPolice are investigating a shooting outside @NavyFederal on Garden Parks Blvd.

The Citizen Police Review Board was invited to test out different scenarios in OPDs new high-tech 4K high-definition surround-screen training simulator. The simulator tests trainees to see if they can apply the right amount of force in the right situation. Board members de-briefed after the scenarios with training officers. "So I guess the idea was he was going to attack me but I wasn't ready," one board member commented. Rolon invites anyone else interested in seeing how officers train to try out the simulator, critics included.

ORLANDO, Fla. The Orlando Police Department invited News 6 on Wednesday to see its most realistic, life-life training simulator ever. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said the simulator tests training and teaches trainees how to control their emotions and adrenaline during "sensory overload." Rolon said OPD purchased the simulator in 2019 long before police protests broke out nationwide but the simulator is ensuring that officers use the right force in the right situation. "We're always looking for ways to modify the way we do business to better serve our citizens," Rolon said. He also invited anyone interested in seeing how Orlando police officers train - critics included - to come and test the simulator.

ORLANDO, Fla. ClickOrlando.com hosted Real Talk: A Candid Conversation last week to discuss racial injustice amongst a panel of experts. The experts provided their unique perspectives and solutions when it comes to the problems our society is facing today all while News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden serves as the moderator. Our experts included University of Central Florida assistant sociology professor Dr. Jonathan Cox, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, American Academy of Pediatrics spokeswoman Dr. Candice Jones, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, Sen. David Simmons and vice president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers Vanessa Skipper. To rewatch Real Talk: A Candid Conversation, click the blue link below. [REWATCH: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on racial inequality in America]Watch The Weekly Sunday mornings only on News 6.

[Use the video player at the top of this story to rewatch the Real Talk town hall]Nationwide, as well as in our own backyard, we’ve seen protests and calls for change, including cries for more transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Activists say that list proves that Floyd’s death wasn’t a tragic one-off example; it was part of a larger, disturbing trend of police brutality directed toward black people in America. That’s why ClickOrlando.com hosted Real Talk: A Candid Conversation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. It fell on Juneteenth, an unofficial holiday known as Black Independence Day that commemorates the events of June 19, 1865. To rewatch Real Talk: A Candid Conversation, click the video player at the top of this story.

In response to the recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, The Florida Police Chiefs Association has announced a new subcommittee dedicated to the topic of law enforcement accountability and two Central Florida police chiefs will be among the members. In a news release Wednesday, the FPCA said the 8 Can’t-Wait principles, crafted by Campaign Zero, a group focused on ending police violence, will be a starting point for the Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Change’s initial discussion. Those eight tenants are:Ban chokeholds and strangleholdsRequire de-escalationRequire warning before shootingExhaust all alternatives before shootingDuty to interveneBan shooting at moving vehiclesRequire use of force continuumRequire comprehensive reportingOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith will be among the law enforcement leaders discussing those ideas and coming up with solutions to the problems our country is facing today. FPCA president and Temple Terrace Police Department Chief Kenneth Albano said the ultimate goals of the new subcommittee are to lead the way for positive change, rebuild trust and accountability and create standardized procedures that can be used statewide. Below are the subcommittee members, who have each been asked to pick a member of the community to serve alongside them to ensure a variety of input:

ORLANDO, Fla. In honor of Juneteenth and as a result of recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, News 6 is hosting Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race Relations. The town hall discussion will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and will be streamed on Facebook and at ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth. The event, which will be moderated by News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden, will feature talks about racial inequality in America, police accountability and developing solutions that will lead to a more fair and just future. Were also inviting the public to take part in the dialogue. You can submit questions by going to ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth.

Before our event takes place, you can read about each of our panelists and their roles in the communities they serve. University of Central Florida assistant sociology professor Dr. Jonathan CoxDr. Jonathan Cox (Courtesy)Dr. Jonathan Cox is a race scholar and assistant sociology professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in racial and ethnic identities and racial ideologies. Before that, he was the first black Orlando Police Department chief in 1998 and the first black Orange County sheriff in 2008. He served in the last position for 10 years before making his way out of law enforcement and into politics. Orlando Police Chief Orlando RolonOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon (Courtesy)Orlando Rolon moved to Orlando’s Engelwood neighborhood in 1977 and has called Central Florida home ever since.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hundreds of people showed up in front of Camping World Stadium on Friday to join local pastors and leaders for a mile walk of mourning. “We wanna mourn together so we can heal together,” said Pastor Tim Johnson of Orlando World Outreach Center. "We need to make sure that aside from what's happened let's focus on the positive things we can do moving forward," Chief Orlando Rolon, Orlando Police Department said. Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chief Orlando Rolon & Sheriff John Mina pray before starting walk of mourning in front of Camping World Stadium. @news6wkmg @OrangeCoSheriff @OrlandoPolice @citybeautiful pic.twitter.com/aEryOUI6Y7 — Ezzy Castro (@EzzyCastro) June 5, 2020The crowd walked from Church Street to Division Street, a street Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill said is forever history.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The conversation surrounding the death of George Floyd hasnt stopped and on Friday, local leaders channeled that discussion as part of a town hall focused on police and community relations. Like I said were here, were not afraid to fight and... we are done dying, Neal said. The former Orlando police chief spoke on the panel alongside her husband, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who prior to taking office served as sheriff. Most were directed toward Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina. Another point brought up during the Q&A was the use of a citizens review board, which the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriffs Office both have.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Orange Countys former and current sheriff spoke about ongoing efforts to build law enforcement and community relations after several days of protests and demonstrations across the region. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said his department is taking policy steps and physically going out into the community to build relationships. We need to use these opportunities to come together & talk about these issues.#kneelforsolidarity #KneelWithUs pic.twitter.com/HXUXUSCDnZ Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) May 31, 2020Mina said he works with the Sheriffs Office Citizens Advisory Committee on policy changes and he regularly looks to the independent group for recommendations. Mina also said there are hundreds of positive interactions between law enforcement and the community that many never hear about. And again, a number of businesses were broken into in unincorporated Orange County last night as well as in the city of Orlando.Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, the former Orange County sheriff, said the county has been planning a candid conversation in a town hall-style format as part of its MLK initiative.

For hours Sunday, protesters made their voices loud and clear on the streets of Orlando. Im mad.From Lake Eola Park to Orlando City Hall, then to Orlando police headquarters, hundreds marched for justice for George Floyd after his death in Minneapolis. Its time out for just sitting back and letting people kneel on our necks, said protester Archangel Bryant. In the meantime, hours before police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina shared the grief of Floyds death. This came one day after protesters made their way across the streets of Orlando and even blocked parts of I-4 and State road 408.

Its an incident that started a national conversation, and now, both the Orange County sheriff and the Orlando Police chief are sharing their reactions to the death of George Floyd. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said in part, How did that take place?To those in law enforcement, don't hesitate to step in & assist fellow officers who are performing their duties in accordance with our professional standards. Likewise don't hesitate to step in & prevent fellow officers from performing their duties contrary to our high standards. https://t.co/p6YjysiYIc Chief Orlando Roln (@OrlandoPDChief) May 27, 2020Orange County Sheriff, John Mina, echoed Rolons shock, saying, That video is upsetting to me, as a law man for 30 years.. The two leaders of law enforcement released similar messages, and its one Rolon said hes seen all across the nation.

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.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The man accused of fatally shooting a manager at Under Armour has likely been found dead inside his vehicle in Fort Pierce, according to the Orlando Police Department. [RELATED: Wanted suspect in outlet mall shooting returned to kill manager hours after he was fired, police say | U.S. Marshals search for man accused of shooting manager at Under Armour store]Also on Friday, authorities released surveillance photos showing Everett inside the store in the moments before and after the shooting. A few minutes after that, he went to the store and shot Vasquez, authorities said. Sprague said Everett likely planned and executed the shooting that same day after he was fired.

A new Orange County park is dedicated to a fallen Orange county deputy.