Orlando police shoot, kill man who charged at them with scissors, police say

Orlando police officers shoot man who charged with scissors: OPD

Orlando police officers shot and killed a man who allegedly charged at them with a pair of scissors in a downtown park, sending stray bullets into a nearby coffee shop, authorities said.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando police officers shot and killed a man near a park in downtown early Friday morning after they said that the man charged at them with a pair of scissors and refused commands to drop them.

Police: Man charged at officers with an ‘edged’ weapon

What we know:

The shooting happened shortly before 4 a.m. near West Chatham Avenue and Amelia Street, west of Interstate 4, and not far from Luminary Green Park as officers responded to an unrelated call about a fight between roommates. 

The man, who had been asleep in the park, woke up and allegedly made a slashing motion toward officers before being shot by two of them. He died at the scene.

Bullets from the gunfire struck Create Coffee, a café across the street in Creative Village. The shop was empty at the time and no bystanders were hurt. No officers were injured.

The backstory:

Police said the man who was shot and killed was not involved in the roommate dispute that initially brought officers to the area. 

According to investigators, the victim, described as someone in his 40s, had a lengthy criminal history including burglary with assault, grand theft and meth possession. As is routine, the two officers who opened fire have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the man’s name. It’s also unclear why he reacted the way he did or whether he had any connection to the park where he was found sleeping. 

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating, and findings from that review are not yet available.

What they're saying:

Deputy Chief Ochiuzzo said officers were initially called to the area regarding a disturbance between roommates. As officers were talking with those roommates, a man who may have been sleeping in the park, woke up and charged at officers with an edged weapon, which turned out to be a pair of scissors.

Orlando police give update on downtown incident | FULL

Orlando Police Deputy Chief Chad Ochiuzzo provide an update on a deadly officer-involved shooting. The shooting happened around 3:40 a.m. at Luminary Green Park. A man sleeping at the park woke up and charged at officers, who shot him. He died. FDLE is investigating the shooting, police said.

None of the officers were hurt in the shooting, Deputy Chief Ochiuzzo said. 

What's next:

Both have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure during officer-involved shootings.

The FDLE will investigate the shooting, which is also standard procedure.

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