Police say a man was taken into custody after accidentally firing a stolen rifle in downtown Orlando and struck a building.
Officers rushed to South Orange Avenue on July 2 after receiving reports of a gunshot.
Police said investigators determined that a man, later identified as Justice Fletcher, mistakenly shot a revolver he had placed in a trash can while going to retrieve it.
According to authorities, Fletcher struck a nearby building after the gun discharged. There were no injuries recorded.
Police said they eventually found Fletcher in a downtown parking garage, but he bolted when they attempted to approach him.
The gun was found nearby, according to authorities. Investigators found that it was stolen.
Orlando Police revealed security video that purports to show Fletcher putting a gun in a garbage can and then returning moments later to collect it. Several individuals nearby can be seen fleeing as he picks up the rifle.
Investigators also discovered that Fletcher was inebriated throughout the evening and was spotted dropping the revolver several times downtown.
During their inquiry, officers discovered that Fletcher had been trespassing from a downtown hotel earlier that evening.
Fletcher faces multiple charges
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department arrested Fletcher on unrelated charges Monday, according to police.
He is facing several charges stemming from the downtown Orlando incident, including aggravated assault with a firearm, shooting into a public building, grand theft, discharging a firearm on public property, using a firearm while under the influence, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm, resisting an officer without violence, and tampering with evidence.
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