Disturbing surveillance footage captured a 17-year-old suspect, identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, firing shots during a Halloween event in downtown Orlando, resulting in two fatalities, followed by a police officer’s swift intervention to apprehend him.
The Orlando police department‘s released video allegedly shows Edgar, dressed in yellow attire with a backpack, moving through the crowd before initiating gunfire, causing panic among Halloween celebrants who scrambled to safety.
A quick-acting police officer, who witnessed the shooting, immediately pursued and subdued Edgar single-handedly before additional officers arrived to assist in the arrest.
“Get on the ground!” the officer repeatedly commands in the bodycam footage during the chaotic scene.
Despite the suspect claiming “It’s not me,” he was promptly arrested. The officer confirms, “I saw him shoot.”
The incident resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, according to police reports.
The shootings occurred in Orlando’s downtown entertainment district around 1 am, with authorities responding to initial gunfire reports as frightened participants fled. Officers nearby witnessed the second shooting, leading to a quick arrest, according to police chief Eric Smith’s Friday morning statement.
The six wounded individuals, aged 19 to 39, received hospital treatment and remained stable.
Authorities recovered a handgun at the scene and confirmed no additional suspects were involved.
Over 100 officers were present among the 50,000 to 100,000 Halloween celebrants in what is considered a major annual downtown Orlando event.
The celebration occurred approximately 10 miles from Orlando’s tourist area, primarily attracting local residents. The event typically draws tens of thousands for additional celebrations on the Saturday following Halloween.
