Orlando officer shooting suspect killed in shootout at Holiday Inn

A 28-year-old man suspected of shooting two Orlando police officers was shot and killed in a morning raid at a Holiday Inn in Orlando, the city's Police Chief Eric Smith said at a news conference this afternoon.

Daton S. Viel shot two officers during a traffic stop in downtown Orlando and led police on a vehicle chase, Smith said. A SWAT team tracked him to the hotel, which is at 5916 Caravan Court, and evacuated the hotel before confronting him, he said.

Viel had barricaded himself in the room and refused to surrender, Smith said.

"At 8:58, the suspect shot at our SWAT officers multiple times. SWAT officers returned fire, striking the suspect," Smith said. "The suspect is now deceased."

Smith said Viel had an "extensive violent criminal history."

Smith declined to name the officers who were shot, saying Marsy's Law protects their identities. He said they are "lucky to be alive."

The officers are expected to recover, Orlando Health Surgeon Dr. Michael Cheatham said at the press conference, which was live-streamed by WESH 2.

Smith thanked the community for their tips ― including people at the scene ― and federal and local law enforcement agencies that shared resources, including Volusia County officials.

"This is a tragedy for our department any time you get officers shot," he said. "These officers are out here every day protecting our community. They put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and for some piece of crap to do this to them because they don't want to go back to prison is ridiculous. And we're not going to put up with it."

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the officers are in the "entire community's thoughts and prayers."

"To those officers and their families who I had the opportunity to meet with earlier today, I want to thank them for their service and their dedication to our city," he said. "They put their lives on the line every single day to keep our community safe."

Where did the Orlando shooting occur?

The shooting happened near North Garland Avenue and Washington Street around 11 p.m. Friday. Officers were investigating a vehicle connected to a homicide in Miami.

During the stop, Viel shot the officers and carjacked a vehicle, then led authorities on a chase to Apopka and other areas, Smith said. The carjacking victim was unharmed.

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Smith said a second person was at the scene with the shooter, but police are not searching for anyone else. He said a "minor offense" put the second person in contact with Viel at the scene, but details surrounding that are part of the active investigation.

Police are still keeping some details from the public as part of the active investigation, Smith said. That includes whether someone may have been harboring Viel and how he got from Apopka, where the vehicle he stole from the carjacking was found, to the hotel.

"Who actually put him there is part of the investigation," Smith said.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted on his Facebook page about the incident.

"On behalf of the entire Volusia Sheriff's Office I want to send all our support and prayers to these officers, their families, the Orlando Police Department and the whole community. I also want to echo the message Chief Smith delivered to the shooters: 'We will find you, and you will be brought to justice,'" Chitwood wrote.

Other local law enforcement leaders offered words of support for Orlando.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young posted on Twitter this morning.

"Prayers up for the two @OrlandoPolice officers that were shot and critically injured in Downtown. I pledge my full support and resources to @OrlandoPolice in pursuit of the suspects!"

The Flagler Sheriff's Office said on Facebook this morning, "Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters of the Orlando Police Department. Two OPD officers were shot and critically wounded overnight. Please join Sheriff Rick Staly and the rest of FCSO in showing support to the families, friends and coworkers through this difficult time."

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Orlando police shooting suspect killed in shootout with SWAT team