Officer not injured; two other suspects at large
Osceola County Sheriff's deputies rushed to the scene of the Walmart on Cypress Parkway Thursday night following a shooting involving an off-duty officer and an armed man store officials say had concealed merchandise.
The shooting occurred around 7:45 p.m. at the store.
In a short statement just after 11 p.m., Sheriff Chris Blackmon said the officer shot one of three men who took off running, with a gun in his hand in the direction of other officers. The officer reportedly gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop and drop the weapon.
"A loss prevention manager (from the store) notified our deputy that there were three men that had concealed merchandise," Blackmon said. “The loss prevention officer and our deputy attempted to meet those men at the front of the store.
"Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out."
Sheriff's spokesperson Kim Montes stated later the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Blackmon said the deputy is not injured, and that the other two suspects fled the store and are still at large. Crimeline is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the other suspects.
"We have good surveillance of them," Blackmon said.
Blackmon offered up no other information, noting FDLE is heading up the further investigation since it was an officer-involved shooting.
