FLORIDA DRIVER SHOT, KILLED NEARLY HIT OFFICERS

Sheriff's deputies in Orange County shot and killed a man in a stolen car early Tuesday after he tried to run down officers, according to investigators.

Detectives said two deputies spotted a car reported stolen at the Mai Kai condominiums at 1935 Conway Road near Curry Ford Road and attempted to talk with the driver. The driver, who police identified as James Martin, then tried to flee the scene.

"It gets a little sketchy," Orange County sheriff's representative Jim Solomons said. "(The deputy) was struck or the deputy was somehow hit by the car when it was put into reverse. He didn't have to go very far. We are talking maybe a car length or two." Police said Martin then nearly hit an officer while trying to drive away.

At least one of the deputies on scene opened fire, hitting and killing Martin.

"The driver apparently was hit and crashed through a closed gate," Solomons said. "He drove another 100 yards into the complex where the car came to rest. It was then determined that he was mortally wounded at that point."

Solomons said the officers were forced to respond quickly.

"A deputy on the street has to make a split-second decision," Solomons said. "He has to decide right then if he is going to live, die or go home and see his kids at night when his shift is over." The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting. Portions of Conroy Road were closed over the shooting.