Orlando Police Officer Injured As Suspect Fled In Vehicle

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on August 25, 2015

Law enforcement officers are meant to protect the public. Often times, an officer’s encounter with the public is simple and straight forward – a routine traffic stop or an arrest for shoplifting. At times, however, the occupation can place an officer in significant danger. That is what happened to an eight-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department.

On July 13, Officer William Anderson was making a routine traffic stop around 2:30 a.m. There had been reports of an attempting shooting in the area, and Anderson wanted to speak with several teenagers. The suspect vehicle contained three teenagers. As he approached the vehicle from the front, one of the passengers opened the passenger door and fled. Anderson drew his weapon and tried to chase the teen. Then, the driver of the vehicle hit the gas peddle, and the vehicle accelerated. Anderson fired several shots at the vehicle but was hit and thrown by the car. The vehicle with the two teenagers fled the scene.

Anderson radioed for backup and an ambulance, because he was injured. Within minutes, several other officers arrived, and Anderson was transported to the Orlando Medical Center.

During the exchange, Anderson shot the driver, 17-year-old Edward Kelty, twice. At some point, the passenger, 17-year-old Angel Nieves, switched places with the driver and drove him to the hospital. The Nieves then attempted to destroy the evidence. She removed a bloodstained steering wheel cover, because she was worried about fingerprints. She decided to throw it in a retention pond. She also attempted to stash the vehicle and remove other evidence.

Anderson received significant injuries in the event. He suffered a traumatic brain injury as well as other injuries. He was in the hospital for several weeks and faces months of difficult rehabilitation. A spokesman for the Orlando Police Department told local media that Anderson may never fully recover from his injuries.

Kelty was charged with attempted second-degree murder on a law enforcement officer, and Nieves was charged with tampering with evidence. The teenager who fled, 17-year-old Alfonza Singleton, was charged with resisting without violence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.