Deputies shoot, kill man outside Target store near Kissimmee, sheriff says

3 others hurt during shooting, Osceola County Fire Rescue says

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A man was killed and three other people were injured after two Osceola County deputies opened fire Wednesday night outside a Target store near Kissimmee, authorities said.

The fatal shooting happened near the store at 4795 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.

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Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez issued a brief statement after the shooting, but few details are known.

“It’s an officer-involved shooting. Two of our officers are involved. They’re fine. We have one deceased male and we’re fully cooperating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,” Lopez said.

The sheriff did not say what led to the gunfire or whether anyone other than the deputies opened fire.

“I’m not going to be commenting because the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actually going to assume this investigation and we don’t want to step on their toes,” Lopez said before walking away from the media without answering questions.

Osceola County Fire Rescue said four adults were transported from the scene, one of whom was shot and later died.

One other victim was hit in the hand by bullet shrapnel and two others were hurt from falling while running away from the scene, according to OCFR.

In a news release Thursday, sheriff’s office officials said the shooting occurred during the apprehension of four suspects. Two suspects were hospitalized, one was detained and one was killed, deputies said. Additionally, the release stated that the deputies involved in the shooting are currently in good health.

Target said in a statement it does not want the shoplifters prosecuted. The company also added that the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office initially called Target about the suspicious people.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.


About the Author

Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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