The gunman who was accused of critically shooting two Orlando Police officers has since died in a SWAT-involved gunfight.
Daton Shimondrea Viel, 28, was in a car that police were investigating as part of a homicide case in Miami just before 11 p.m. in the area of East Washington Street and North Garland Avenue, according to Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith in a press conference on Saturday.
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When the two unnamed officers approached the vehicle, that’s when Viel is said to have opened fire.
“After an extensive search, we were able to find the suspect at the Holiday Inn located in the 2000 block of Caravan Court. The SWAT Team responded to the hotel at 6:00 am and was able to safely evacuate the hotel,” the Orlando Police Department wrote in a statement. “The suspect barricaded himself inside a hotel room. Several attempts to get him to surrender were made but he refused to cooperate. At 8:58 am the suspect shot at our SWAT officers multiple times. SWAT officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect is deceased.”
Viel was revealed to have “an extensive criminal history,” according to police, who did not elaborate. Police promised to provide Viel’s criminal history at a later date. The wounded officers are still in critical condition but “are lucky to be alive,” officials added.
“I’m grateful for the doctors and nurses providing the essential care that the injured officers need at this time,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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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“Casey DeSantis and I are praying for the officers, their families and the entire Orlando Police [Department],” Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) posted on X. “Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect.”
There was a second suspect involved in the initial murder investigation involving the car Viel was found in, but the second suspect’s identity has not yet been revealed by authorities, who have only said they were not involved in the officer shooting.
