Off duty police officer at St. Cloud home shoots armed man

An off duty Orlando police officer shot a man at his St. Cloud home several times on Sunday after the suspect fired a gun at him.

According to a St. Cloud Police Department report, Orlando Police Officer Julian Ortiz, who was off duty, was hosting a gathering at his home in the Tohoqua subdivision and invited some guests over. One guest brought the male suspect with them to Ortiz’s house. At some point, the male suspect was told he was no longer welcome at the house and was told to leave. He left Ortiz’s house, but returned a short time later, and attempted to enter the house by kicking in the front door, the report stated.

When Ortiz went outside, the suspect, who was brandishing a firearm, met him. He fired the gun at Ortiz, prompting the police officer to return fire, striking the suspect several times. The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Ortiz, nor anybody inside of the house, were struck by gunfire.

Criminal charges are pending against the suspect, who was not identified in a St. Cloud Police Department press release. Ortiz’s actions remain under review and the St. Cloud Police Department is working the investigation with the State Attorney’s Office.