Man shot while trying to make difference at troubled Tymberskan apartments

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned a man working to clean up one of the worst neighborhoods in Orange County was shot late Wednesday.

Investigators said the victim was robbed and shot while working at the Tymberskan apartments off Texas Avenue about 7:30 p.m.

"This occurred between two of the units. He was outside trying to do repair work when this happened," Lt. Paul Hopkins with the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies said two teenagers approached the man and demanded cash. One of the teens was armed with a gun and opened fire on the 43-year-old victim, according to investigators.

"We are considering them armed and dangerous because this person did not resist and they still shot this man," Hopkins said.

Deputies said the victim was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. His name has not been released by officials.

A sign outside the apartments warn visitors to go straight to their destination once inside. Authorities said even deputies go into the neighborhood two at a time, where boarded up buildings and mounds of trash line the streets.

Neighbors said the gunshot victim was trying to make a difference in the community when he was shot.

"It's very sad because the gentlemen had come into the community and was making a difference," said resident Jerry Alicea.

Channel 9 learned the victim had purchased 15 units in the complex and was in the process of trying to fix them up.

"He was trying. He was trying. He was making strides," said Alicea. "He was coming and fixing problems that had been left standing for the longest time."

It's unclear if the teens got away with anything. They were not located during a search of the area, deputies said.

WFTV