Florida: Injured Orlando PD officer to visit department today
The Orlando police officer who was run over during a July traffic stop is expected to talk briefly with local news reporters this afternoon while visiting the department.
Officer William Anderson has been recovering since the July 13 incident when he attempted to stop a car of teenagers seen leaving the area of a reported shooting.
A dash-cam video captured the incident, showing Anderson getting out of his patrol car with his gun drawn. He approached the driver's side window and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle.
Police said a 17-year-old back-seat passenger jumped out and ran away, and Anderson moved around to the front of the car.
That's when Edward Earl Kelty hit the gas, police said, striking Anderson and knocking him to the ground.
Kelty and his passenger, Angel Nieves, drove off as Anderson was on the ground, police said. Both boys were 17 at the time, but have since had birthdays.
Police said Anderson fired two shots at the vehicle as it lunged toward him. One shot hit Kelty in the arm.
Anderson was eventually transferred from an Orlando hospital to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for specialized treatment.
Police haven't detailed his injuries, but said the eight-year veteran was seriously injured.
Anderson has been recovering at home for several weeks and a fundraising page launched by the department said he's doing well working through numerous therapy sessions.
Police spokeswoman Michelle Guido said Anderson and his wife will be visiting with colleagues at the department this afternoon.
During that time, he agreed to talk with reporters about his recovery.
He will not talk about the incident, though, as the criminal cases are still pending, Guido said.
Both Kelty and Nieves are being charged as adults.
Kelty is charged with attempted second-degree murder of a law-enforcement officer. Nieves is charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence.
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