By Richard Tribou
Source Orlando Sentinel
Two people are dead and at least six more hurt after a pair of downtown Orlando shootings during crowded Halloween celebrations early Friday with a 17-year-old suspect in custody, according to Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith.
Smith said police were on scene at 1:07 a.m. when officers reported shots fired at Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue and then minutes later, witnessed more shots fired south of Washington Street on Orange Avenue where a suspect was taken into custody.
“At this time, we are aware of eight total victims. Two are now deceased, six other individuals who were shot or were transported to ( Orlando Regional Medical Center) for further treatment.” Smith said in a short press conference from police headquarters.
He said the surviving victims were in stable condition.
Smith said the suspect was 17-year-old male. “That suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, who was previously arrested for Grand Theft in 2023,” Smith said.
He did not identify the two victims, and said it was still an active investigation. The ages of the shooting victims ranged from 19 to 39.
“In light of this tragic incident, the Orlando Police Department would like to remind the community that safety is our top priority,” the department stated in a press release. “Nearly 100 officers were patrolling downtown at the time of the shooting, due to the large crowd expected on Halloween. The Orlando Police Department is also assessing the need for increased patrols downtown this weekend.”
Orange Avenue was reopened Friday morning, OPD said.
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