SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County deputy was shot by a burglary suspect following a chase through Seminole and Orange counties Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
The man accused of shooting him, Christian Joy, 21, was brought to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition, where he remained Friday morning.
Deputy Brian Mahan was shot in the ankle. He was released from the hospital Thursday night.
Raw: Skywitness 9 over deputy shooting scene
Photos: Scene of Seminole County deputy shooting
Richard Joy, the suspect's father, said the entire situation is horrible for everyone involved.
His son is accused of speeding away from Seminole County deputies, ramming cars along Semoran Boulevard and then shooting Mahan following a crash.
Authorities were conducting a burglary operation in Altamonte Springs after multiple burglaries over the last several months, when deputies said they noticed a vehicle parked at the end of a culdesac. Deputies said the car took off and when they tried to pull it over, they said the driver fled, striking another vehicle and then backing into an undercover deputy's cruiser before taking off again, reports said.
Authorities said the deputies broke off the pursuit, but they continued to monitor the suspect's whereabouts from a helicopter.
Joy crashed into another vehicle near the intersection of Aloma Avenue and got out firing at deputies, authorities said, striking Mahan.
Deputies returned fire and were able to apprehend Joy and Emmalee French, who attempted to flee from the back seat of the vehicle.
Joy was arrested for possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful discharge of a firearm and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
French is facing a resisting without violence charge.
Seminole and Orange county deputies are investigating, as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Mahan has been with the department for three years and was assigned as an investigator in west Altamonte Springs.
WFTV
