ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Officials with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting that happened just before 3:00am Saturday. Investigators said the incident occurred while Orlando police officers were pursuing a suspected gunman on Mills Avenue.
Police said the suspect allegedly shot someone outside of Roxy nightclub on Bennett Road. Emergency crews responded to the nightclub shortly after 2:30am and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim is in critical condition.
A pickup truck, matching the description of the one involved in the Roxy shooting was then spotted by officers heading north on Mills Avenue. Officers chased the white truck and put stop-sticks across the road near Nebraska Street.
The truck finally stopped when the driver lost control after turning onto Leith Avenue. The suspect, 25-year-old Craig LeBlanc of West Palm Beach, allegedly fled on foot holding a gun. That's when police said an officer shot him in the hand and the shin. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A female passenger in his vehicle was taken into custody.
LeBlanc is being charged with aggravated assault on an officer and fleeing and eluding. Police said additional charges against LeBlanc will be filed that stem from the Roxy nightclub shooting.
The Orlando police officer who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
The victim in the Roxy shooting has not been identified. Officials said that victim is in critical condition and is undergoing surgery.