2 Orlando officers shoot at 18-year-old, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two Orlando police officers are on paid leave after shooting at an 18-year-old.

Police said someone called 911 at about 3 p.m. Friday to report that an 18-year-old family member, who police identified as Tymeke Counts, was acting erratically and may be mentally ill.

When officers got to the home on the 3900 block of WD Judge Drive, they said the man brandished what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it at police.

Police said two officers shot at Counts, who then ran from officers.

Counts was not struck and he barricaded himself inside a neighbor’s apartment, investigators said.

After a nearly five-hour standoff, a SWAT team went into the home and arrested him.

Counts was carrying a firearm when officers fired at him, police said.

“There is still a lot of investigating to be done, including search warrants and all that stuff,” said Sgt. Eduardo Bernal.

Cassius Shine said Counts is his son and disputes that he had a gun.

“No gun, he don't own a gun, whatsoever,” Shine said.

He said he wishes police handled the situation differently.

“You all should've let me talk to my son. I could've went in there and talked to my son,” he said. “He was scared. That's the only reason why he didn't come out.”

Police said a gun was found inside the apartment where the 18-year-old barricaded himself.

Counts is facing a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

Cox Media Group