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Deputies' Names Released In Westgate Shooting

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — The names of the Orange County sheriff deputies who were involved in a shooting that killed a suspected car thief, 27-year-old Torey Breedlove, were released Wednesday.

The names of the nine deputies involved (more info) are: Hector Cartagena, Rafael Cruz, Jason Gorberg, John Leone, Jason Popovich, Randall Root, Richard Schmeltzer, Troy Tiegs, and Paul Volkerson.

Several Orange County deputies were involved in the fatal shooting outside the Alta Westgate apartments on Hiawassee Road in the Pine Hills area of Orlando (see map) just after 5:00am Tuesday.

READ: Info On Deputies | Breedlove Rap Sheet AT THE SCENE: Images From Fatal Shooting

Deputies with the auto theft unit of the Orange County Sheriff's Office followed a suspect, believed to be driving a stolen Dodge pickup, into the apartment complex. Officers confronted Breedlove while he was inside the pickup and instructed him to exit the vehicle.

Investigators say Breedlove refused to obey law enforcement's orders and tried to escape by ramming several sheriffs' patrol units. That is when several deputies opened fire, killing Breedlove.

The Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the investigation and said they believe the officers had good reason to open fire.

As per the sheriff's offices' policy, all the deputies involved have been reassigned to non-enforcement related duty for a minimum period of one week.

Previous Stories: January 5, 2010: Deputies Shoot, Kill Man At Apartment Complex