Man killed by Orlando police officers armed with ‘simulated firearm,' OPD says

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 25-year-old man who was killed early Sunday by Orlando police officers threatened them with what turned out to be a “simulated firearm,” the Orlando Police Department said Monday.

The shooting was reported shortly after 2 a.m. on Orange Blossom Trail near State Road 408 after someone spotted an armed man walking up and down the road, Orlando police Sgt. Wanda Miglio said.

Photos: Orlando police fatally shoot armed man on OBT

“Verbal commands were given by the officers for the suspect to put the weapon down,” Miglio said. “The suspect refused the officers’ commands and raised the firearm.”

The two officers shot the man, Charlin Charles, who later died at a hospital, Miglio said.

Raw: Orlando police fatally shoot armed man on OBT

Four officers were identified by the department as being involved: Michael Ragsdale, Joseph Imburgio, Alyce Payne, and Nicholas Metzger.

OPD did not say which two officers fired at Charles.

None of the officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting because not all officers have been equipped with body cameras yet, OPD said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.

Charles was charged in 2009 with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer and records showed he missed his court appearance for mental health issues.

The officers were placed on paid administrative leave, which is typical in police shootings.

Cox Media Group