ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An off-duty Orange County deputy was involved in a shooting late Saturday night after a minor hit-and-run crash, investigators said.
Officials said Deputy Anthony Claudio was driving his personal vehicle when he was involved in a minor crash near State Road 528 and Interstate 4. The other driver fled and Claudio followed, authorities said.
Investigators said the driver, later identified as Vinod Persaud, became belligerent and reached for the glove box in his vehicle. Claudio said he identified himself as a law enforcement officer and told Persaud that he was armed.
Investigators said Persaud, 27, charged Claudio and tried to take the deputy's gun. The gun discharged and Persaud ran to his car and fled the scene, officials said.
"People can mistake him for somebody else other than a police officer. It's a very dangerous situation, " said WFTV law enforcement expert Chuck Drago. "Police departments typically discourage officers from getting involved in things off duty."
Claudio suffered minor injuries. Persaud, who deputies said was dropped off at Dr. Phillips Hospital at around 3:15 a.m. Sunday, was treated for a gunshot wound in his abdomen.
Persaud was transferred to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery Monday. His father told Channel 9 the family is searching for an attorney.
Court records indicate Persaud was charged with drunken driving six months ago. He was previously ticketed for speeding, reckless driving, careless driving and failing to stop at a stop sign, according to documents.
The state ordered Persaud to complete a driving course by May 18 or he could lose his license, records show.
Deputies haven't said if that's what motivated Persaud to allegedly drive off after the crash.
Channel 9 has requested Claudio's personnel files from his current employer, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and from the Orlando Police Department, where he worked for many years.
The incident remains under investigation.
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