Vehicle involved in officer assault abandoned in Gotha

WEST ORANGE — Orlando Police Department investigators recovered a vehicle involved in an early-morning officer assault in Gotha.

According to police reports, at about 2:43 a.m. July 13, Officer William Anderson was working extra duty at the McDonald’s located at 5400 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando. Anderson conducted a traffic stop at South Kirkman and Vineland roads on a silver four-door vehicle. As he approached the vehicle, the passenger door opened, and the passenger fled on foot.

Anderson attempted to stop the passenger by moving around the vehicle. As Anderson moved, the driver accelerated toward him and ran him over. After striking Anderson, the driver continued to flee the scene without stopping. Anderson fired his weapon.

Police officers found the car on Lake Pearl Drive in Gotha. It had been set on fire, and its windshield was shattered.  

Anderson is in stable condition. The driver and passenger are both still at large. The entire incident was caught on the officer’s dash camera. Footage will be released at a later time.

Anyone with information should call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and receive a cash reward.