'Fighting for their lives': 2 Orlando police officers shot during traffic stop, police say
ORLANDO, Fla. - Two officers with the Orlando Police Department are "fighting for their lives" after they were shot Friday night during a traffic stop involving suspects linked to a homicide investigation out of Miami, Orlando police said.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said both officers were transported to the hospital late Friday night in critical condition. Saturday morning, Orlando police said both officers were "fighting for their lives," and are expected to recover from their injuries.
"This is a sad day for our department," Chief Smith told reporters during a 2 a.m. press conference.
Orlando PD Chief gives update on shooting
Orlando Police said shortly after 11 p.m. Friday that its officers were involved in a shooting in downtown Orlando, near North Garland Avenue and Washington Street. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith provided an update shortly before 2 a.m., saying that two officers were shot by carjacking suspects.
Suspect shot, killed by police
Police said the officers pulled a vehicle over around 11 p.m. Friday near North Garland Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Orlando when the shooting happened. Both officers were shot.
The suspect then carjacked another person's vehicle, Chief Smith said, and took off.
The suspect, who was identified as Daton Viel, 28, was found at the Holiday Inn at Caravan Court around 6 a.m. and evacuated the hotel, police said. He barricaded himself in the room and shot at SWAT officers several times shortly before 7 a.m.
Daton Viel: What we know about Orlando police shooting suspect
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He was shot by officers multiple times and died.
There was a second suspect, but he was determined to not have been involved in the downtown Orlando shooting.
There was a huge police presence late Friday night at the Marden Ridge Apartments in Apopka, Florida, though it is unclear what connection, if any, that has with the shooting or investigation.
FOX 35 has reached out to Orlando police for clarification.
Chopper video: 2 Orlando police officers shot
There is a large police presence in the area of Caravan Court, in Orlando, Florida after a shooting that left two Orlando police officers critically injured late Friday night. A massive manhunt is underway for two suspects. The community is asked to avoid the area and expect traffic delays.
Saturday morning, law enforcement swarmed a hotel near International Drive, not far from Universal's theme park. Photos showed at least two armored vehicles, several law enforcement vehicles, and CSI vans.
Orlando Police confirmed that scene was part of the shooting investigation, but did not elaborate.
"Please avoid the area at this time and expect traffic delays. Updates to follow," police said.
The Miami connection?
Orlando Police Chief Smith said the suspects were connected to a homicide investigation in Miami. However, details on that investigation have not been released.
FOX 35 has reached out to the Miami Police Department and the Miami-Dade Police Department for additional information on that investigation.