Turkish tourist shot, killed outside Orlando hotel

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - An investigation is underway after a man was shot dead outside a hotel in Orlando's tourist district.

Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a call early Thursday morning at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on Sand Lake Road.

Upon arrival, deputies found 52-year-old Osman Darcan with a life-threatening gunshot wound.  Orange County Fire Rescue pronounced the victim dead at the scene.  According to deputies, this was an attempted robbery that turned deadly after Darcan suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.

Darcan was with his wife, who was unharmed. The two were Turkish tourists visiting Orlando after driving up from Miami. 

"We understand it was a honeymoon visit,” said Captain Angelo Nieves of the Orange County Sheriffs Office.  

Deputies said the Darcans had just gotten back to the hotel at 1:40 a.m. on Thursday morning, when the gunman approached Darcan's wife, going after her purse.  

“During the struggle for the female’s purse, Mr. Osman Darcan came over to his wife’s aide. A struggle ensued,  at which time gunfire erupted.  Being struck by the gunfire he collapsed and passed away unfortunately,” said Capt. Nieves. 

Investigator said Darcan’s wife called 911.  “This appears to be a tragic incident, a crime of opportunity,” Nieves said.

Patrols will be increased in the district for the near future, said Nieves.

"Patrols have always been stepped up on the I-Drive corridor," he said. "It's one of the safest areas, one of the tourism areas, and we constantly patrol."

Deputies believe the suspect jumped into an orange or reddish vehicle, with a black stripe down the side.  The suspect is said to be overweight, with short, dark hair and bushy eyebrows. 

Detectives are asking that anyone who might have seen a car matching the above description speeding in the area of Sand Lake Road, Kirkman or International Drive between 1:40 and 1:45 a.m. to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).