New video captures gunman shooting 2 Orlando police officers
In a recent incident dating back almost two years, two Orlando police officers, Kaley Powell and Andy Rodriguez, were critically wounded by a convicted felon, Daton Viel. Viel, who had a history of felonies and was on supervised probation, was awaiting trial for allegedly assaulting a teenage girl. The violent encounter culminated in a shootout with the Orlando Police Department SWAT team, resulting in Viel’s death.
Footage obtained from Rodriguez’s body camera showed the events leading up to the tragic incident on August 4, 2023. Rodriguez approached a man next to a parked silver car in a downtown lot, suspecting a drug exchange. Although the man was never charged with a crime, the discovery of illicit substances near the car raised suspicions. As Rodriguez restrained the individual, Viel stood nearby between his own car and the silver one, unnoticed.
Powell, who arrived at the scene shortly after, engaged with Viel without realizing his criminal past or the connection of his vehicle to a homicide in Miami. Earlier encounters revealed Viel’s evasion from law enforcement at the University of Central Florida after his stolen license plate tag was detected. Ignoring state supervision and felony convictions, Viel escaped UCF police custody and was later spotted fleeing a murder scene in Miami.
The tension escalated as Powell attempted to detain Viel, prompting a sudden flight from the fugitive. Video footage from the officers’ body cameras captured the chaos that ensued, with Viel evading apprehension and the officers resorting to taser deployment in an attempt to subdue him. However, Viel resisted and remained in his vehicle, leading to a deadly exchange of gunshots that left Powell and Rodriguez injured.
The impact of the incident reverberated through the Orlando community, raising questions about Viel’s presence on the streets despite his extensive criminal record. Governor Ron DeSantis took action, suspending Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell in the aftermath of the shooting. Despite the scrutiny, Worrell was later re-elected to her position, leaving lingering concerns about law enforcement protocols and public safety.
The harrowing events of that fateful night underscored the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Powell and Rodriguez, in their valiant effort to uphold the law and protect the community, faced unimaginable danger at the hands of a violent offender. The aftermath of the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect, as well as the ongoing need for vigilance and reform within the criminal justice system.