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:

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

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

This browser does not support the video element.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.