Daton Viel: What we know about man accused of shooting 2 Orlando police officers

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police identified the man they said shot and critically injured two Orlando police officers in downtown Orlando on Friday night.

Here’s what we know so far about Daton Viel:

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• Daton Viel is 28 years old.

• Police said they originally approached Viel near the intersection of West Washington Street and North Garland Avenue because the car he was near was wanted in connection to a homicide case in Miami.

LIVE UPDATES: Suspect dead, 2 Orlando officers shot expected to recover, officials says

• Police said Viel shot and injured two Orlando police officers around 11 p.m. on Friday.

• Police said Viel carjacked someone nearby the shooting scene and fled the area.

• Officers said they caught up with Viel at a Holiday Inn on Caravan Court on Saturday around 6 a.m. That’s where he was shot and killed by SWAT officers, after he opened fire on law enforcement.

PHOTOS: Officer-involved shooting under investigation in downtown Orlando

• Police said Viel has “an extensive criminal history.”

• Orlando police said Viel was arrested in March 2023 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in December 2022. In that case, he faced charges of sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and lewd or lascivious exhibition.

Read: Central Florida officials react after 2 police officers shot in downtown Orlando

Video: Suspect dead, 2 Orlando officers shot expected to recover, officials says Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the person who shot two Orlando police officers on Friday night is dead.

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