Orange County deputy shoots masked shoplifting suspect outside East Colonial Drive Walmart; suspect hospitalized, knives recovered
Incident reported outside Walmart near Rouse Road on Sunday night
An Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot a masked man suspected of shoplifting outside a Walmart on East Colonial Drive on Sunday, February 22, 2026, authorities said. The encounter happened around 8:30 p.m. near the store at 11250 E. Colonial Drive, in the area of Rouse Road.
Investigators said deputies were called to the location after a report of a man attempting to steal merchandise. A deputy later found the suspect on East Colonial Drive, west of Lake Berge Road, with a shopping cart filled with items believed to have come from the store.
What officials say happened during the confrontation
Authorities said the deputy issued repeated commands for the man to stop. When the suspect did not comply, the deputy deployed a Taser, but it was ineffective, officials said.
Investigators said the deputy then warned the suspect, telling him “don’t reach,” before firing two shots. The man was struck and transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, the sheriff’s office said.
Time and place: About 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 2026, outside Walmart at 11250 E. Colonial Drive.
Condition of suspect: Hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Items recovered: Two knives were recovered at the scene, authorities said.
Road impacts and investigation status
In the hours after the shooting, the area saw a significant law-enforcement presence and traffic disruption along East Colonial Drive as deputies worked the scene.
The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation. As of early Monday, February 23, the suspect’s identity and any potential criminal charges had not been publicly released. Authorities also had not released additional details about the deputy’s identity or whether body-worn or other video is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Second Walmart-related deputy shooting in Central Florida within days
The shooting comes days after a separate deputy-involved shooting connected to an alleged shoplifting incident at another Central Florida Walmart. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, an off-duty Osceola County sheriff’s deputy working security shot and killed a 16-year-old inside a Walmart in Poinciana after the teen was reported to be armed during a confrontation over suspected shoplifting. Authorities in that case said the teenager died at the scene.
Officials have indicated additional information about the Orange County case may be released as the investigation proceeds.
Orlando.news will continue to follow developments, including any public briefing that provides further timeline details, witness accounts, or investigative findings.