Suspect Dead, Two Officers In Critical Condition After Multi-Scene Shootout In Orlando

A suspect was killed in a shootout with police Saturday morning, just hours after he shot two Orlando police officers. 

Police identified the suspect as Daton Viel, 28, who had an extensive criminal history, according to a press release. 

The incident began on Friday night when officers were investigating a vehicle believed to be connected to a Miami murder. During the traffic stop, Viel shot two police officers, leaving them in critical condition. He stole another car and fled the scene. 

Press release ⬇️. https://t.co/NrwWOgNmpG pic.twitter.com/BpEDy3ayHw

— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) August 5, 2023

“After (an) extensive search, officers were able to find the suspect at the Holiday Inn in the 5900 block of Caravan Court,” Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith said during a press conference. “The SWAT team responded to the hotel at 6 a.m. and was able to safely evacuate the hotel.”

The suspect barricaded himself inside a room and refused to surrender. Just before 9 a.m., the suspect shot members of the SWAT team, and they returned fire. Viel was killed in the shootout. 

The officers invoked Marsy’s Law and will not be publicly identified, according to the department. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis offered prays to the officers, their families, and the entire department. 

“Our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect,” he wrote in part on X.”