News Summary
In Downtown Orlando, a man was shot and killed by police following an altercation outside a cocktail lounge. The incident involved a physical fight, a firearm being drawn, and a rapid police response. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while investigations are conducted. This tragic event has raised concerns regarding safety in the area, highlighting an increase in firearm incidents in recent months.
Orlando, Florida – A man was shot and killed by Orlando police following an early-morning altercation outside the Thrive Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Orlando. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
According to reports from the Orlando Police Department (OPD), detectives were monitoring the area when they noticed a physical fight taking place at 13 South Orange Avenue. During the altercation, a handgun dropped from one of the individuals involved, identified as 38-year-old Johnathan Angel Flores. Flores retrieved the firearm and concealed it, prompting detectives to alert nearby patrol officers about the weapon.
As officers arrived at the scene, they encountered Flores, who discharged a single round into the air. The officers ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times, but he did not comply with the commands. In response to what they perceived as an imminent threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking Flores.
Flores was swiftly transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident.
The OPD has indicated that the officers involved in the shooting have not yet been publicly named. In accordance with department policy, these officers will be placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct an independent inquiry into the shooting, and the State Attorney’s Office will review the investigation’s findings. Additionally, the OPD will perform its own internal review of the incident.
Authorities have noted that Flores had three prior misdemeanor arrests, all related to drug offenses. The incident has raised concerns over safety in Downtown Orlando, an area that, in the past year, has encountered nearly 500 firearms through increased patrols and community reporting.
The OPD underscored its commitment to ensuring safety in the downtown area, which has seen a rise in incidents involving firearms. Body cameras were worn by the officers during the incident, which may provide further information and transparency as investigations proceed.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement will provide updates regarding the findings and any further actions that may be taken. The community, while grappling with the tragic outcome, awaits more details and responses from the involved agencies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Wikipedia: Officer-involved shooting
- Click Orlando
- Google Search: Orlando shooting 2025
- WESH
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- WFTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime in the United States
- Click Orlando
- Google News: Orlando police shooting
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
