Deputies: Gunman shoots at deputy multiple times in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A gunman rolled down a car window early Monday and shot at a deputy numerous times, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

The shooting was reported shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Wyndham Lane near North Powers Drive and Silver Star Road in Orange County's Pine Hills neighborhood, Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said.

A deputy who was driving an unmarked patrol truck was following a Honda Accord that investigators considered suspicious because it had been spotted multiple times throughout the morning, Williamson said.

“I heard a bunch of shots. It was like six or seven shots, and I heard the officer say ‘Shots fired,’’ said witness April Staffine.

Investigators said the vehicle's driver's side window was lowered and a gunman shot at the deputy, hitting the truck six to seven times.

“These individuals were involved in a very dangerous activity, firing shots at this vehicle. Even though it was unmarked, they had no idea who was inside it,” said Williamson.

Staffine said she saw the deputies running toward her home for cover.

The deputy got out of the vehicle to take cover, Williamson said. Backup deputies were already on their way to the scene before the gunfire, he said.

Deputies said the driver fled to nearby Pioneer Road, near Ridgewood Park Elementary School, where the vehicle was ditched. They said a juvenile was captured after falling down and a second person was taken into custody.

So far, no one has been charged with a crime.

Investigators said two others ran away from the vehicle and remain at large. As many as 30 deputies searched for the pair, who are considered armed and dangerous, officials said.

Detectives said they're interviewing the vehicle's owner, who could be related to someone involved in the shooting. They said that person is cooperating with the investigation.

Williamson said multiple gunshots pierced a home on Wyndham Lane. He said the deputy, who didn't shoot back at the gunman, followed all protocols and procedures.

No one was injured in the shooting, which remains under investigation.

The identities of the deputy and the suspects haven't been released.

The Ocoee, Winter Garden and Orlando police departments assisted the Sheriff's Office with the call.

Cox Media Group