A man was fatally shot by Orlando Police Department (OPD) officers early Sunday morning after allegedly firing a handgun into the air in downtown Orlando.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on April 20, 2025, OPD Crime Center detectives were monitoring the area of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard when they witnessed a physical altercation outside Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery. During the fight, detectives observed a handgun fall from the suspect’s pants. The suspect picked up the weapon and put it back in his pants.
Crime Center detectives immediately alerted nearby officers. As officers responded, the suspect allegedly drew the handgun again and fired a single round into the air. Responding officers gave multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon, but he refused. In response, officers discharged their firearms, striking the individual.
The suspect was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), where he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities reported that the suspect had three prior misdemeanor arrests, all related to drug offenses.
The officers involved in the shooting were not injured and will be placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement 1 (FDLE) will conduct an independent review of the incident, the findings of which will be turned over to the State Attorney’s office. The Orlando Police Department will also conduct its own internal investigation. Authorities confirmed that the officers’ body-worn cameras were active during the incident.
OPD highlighted that the quick response in this case reflects ongoing efforts to enhance safety in downtown Orlando through increased patrols, proactive policing, and responses to citizen calls. They noted that approximately 500 firearms have been encountered in the area over the past year as a result of these efforts.
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