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Authorities confirmed that the suspect believed to be responsible for shooting and injuring two Orlando, Fla., police officers has been killed following an armed standoff. The two Orlando officers stopped a vehicle late Friday which was believed to be related to a homicide in Miami, when a suspect inside the vehicle opened fire, hitting both officers before carjacking another vehicle and driving away from the scene, leading to a police pursuit. Police identified the suspect as Dalton Viel, 28.
According to a press release, two members of the Orlando Police Department remain in the hospital with critical injuries; however, both are expected to survive and fully recover from their injuries.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said in a joint statement: “After an extensive search, we were able to find the suspect at the Holiday Inn located in the 5900 block of Caravan Court. The SWAT team responded to the hotel at 6:00 a.m. EDT and was able to safely evacuate the hotel. The suspect then barricaded himself inside a hotel room. Several attempts to get him to surrender were made but he refused to cooperate.”
Police Chief Smith later told reporters that the suspect began shooting at the tactical officers who then returned fire, and he was killed in the exchange of gunfire. Smith said: “We would like to thank Orlando Health and all of the law enforcement agencies who have helped us throughout the night with this investigation. We also want to thank everyone from our community who has been sharing information and providing support for our department. Our officers are lucky to be alive and we ask that you continue to pray for them.”
Orlando Mayor Dyer added on social media: “I’m grateful for the doctors and nurses providing the essential care that the injured officers need at this time. I also want to join Chief Smith in thanking the officers and our law enforcement partners who’ve ensured the suspect is no longer a threat to our community.”
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