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Driver hits Fla. deputy with car; suspect fatally shot

The Orlando Sentinel
Related News Report: Suspect is shot after attempting to run down N.Y. officer with car

ORANGE COUNTY A man died Thursday night after a routine traffic stop turned deadly, authorities said.

Two Orange County deputy sheriffs on motorcycles pulled over a man after conducting a speed check using radar on South Rio Grande Avenue and Michael Terrace.

When the two deputies walked toward the car, the driver revved the engine and hit one of the deputies with his car, sheriff’s spokesman Jeff Williamson said. The officers, fearing for their lives, shot at the car before it sped off into the woods, Williamson said.

The driver dumped the car in the woods and began running. The deputies chased the driver through the woods, where they found him bleeding heavily.

It was unknown Thursday night if the driver was hurt while driving through the woods or if he was shot by officers, Williamson said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, and both deputies have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard practice.

The man, whose name was not released, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he died, Williamson said.

Neither of the deputies was seriously injured.

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