Orange County Sheriff’s deputies shot a man Friday evening after he reportedly advanced toward them with a knife, despite repeated commands to drop the weapon. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is now investigating the incident.
The confrontation began around 5:15 p.m. on February 21, 2025, when the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) received a 911 call from a suicidal man. The caller identified himself, stated that he was going to take his own life, and then abruptly hung up.
Deputies responded to the home at 6803 Merganser Drive, where a relative allowed them inside. Moments later, the man emerged from a bedroom holding a knife and advanced toward the deputies, according to authorities. As they backed out of the house, deputies issued multiple commands for him to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply.
When the man continued moving toward them despite repeated warnings, deputies discharged their service weapons, striking him. They immediately rendered first aid before he was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. As of now, there are no updates on his condition.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation into the shooting, with its findings set to be reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office. Once that process is complete, OCSO will launch its own internal review.
The deputies involved have been placed on temporary, paid administrative leave as the FDLE’s investigation unfolds, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.
More details are expected as the investigation progresses.
