Ocoee PD updates officer-involved shooting of minor

According to a press release sent out by the Ocoee Police Department in response to reports of two shoplifters last week at the Walmart in Ocoee, the weapon discharged by the police officer struck the unidentified minor passenger. The incident occurred Thursday, Feb. 15.

Both the driver, who has been identified as 49-year-old Gregorio Mendoza Moreno, and the unidentified juvenile passenger were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects fled the scene in a green pickup truck that was spotted a short time later in an adjacent parking lot area — where the suspects had crashed into a police vehicle. 

Briefly following, other officers saw the vehicle traveling eastbound on Old Winter Garden Road and initiated a traffic stop. 

While outside of the vehicle with the suspects, the officer shot the minor. The Ocoee police officers present immediately began rendering aid to the juvenile. 

The minor has been identified and is known to Moreno, who is being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, retail theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. 

The press release states also there may be additional pending charges for both suspects involved.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is continuing its investigation of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at (407) 905-3160 or Crimeline at (407) 423-TIPS.