An Orange County deputy shot a masked man at a Walmart after he ignored commands during a shoplifting attempt, leading to the man’s hospitalization.

An Orange County deputy shot a masked man outside a Walmart on East Colonial Drive around 8:30 p.m. on February 23, 2026, after the man allegedly ignored verbal commands during a shoplifting incident. Deputies responded to a theft report, found the suspect pushing a cart full of items, and attempted to subdue him with a Taser, which failed. After warning the man not to reach, the deputy fired, striking him with non-life-threatening injuries. Two knives were recovered at the scene. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, is hospitalized and under investigation. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing the incident, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement also involved. This marks the second officer-involved shooting at a Central Florida Walmart in four days.