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Domestic violence suspect wounded in shootout with deputy faces attempt murder charge, records show

Orlando Sentinel - 2/8/2021

A domestic violence suspect fired two shots at an Orange County deputy sheriff before the deputy returned fire, hitting the man late Friday, according to an arrest affidavit.

Phillip Francis, 43, is facing a charge of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

The incident began around 3:20 p.m. at a home in the 3400 block of Ridgemont Road near Indian Hills Road in Pine Hills after Francis’ ex-girlfriend accused him of choking her, according to an arrest affidavit. The woman left the home for her safety and deputies cleared the scene around 4:30 p.m.

Around an hour later, Orange County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the home. After dousing the flames, deputies discovered the door had been forced open and found a gas can inside, the affidavit said.

Family members told deputies it appeared to be the gas can Francis carried in his silver Infiniti. A safe containing a gun also was stolen, according to the affidavit.

A domestic crimes detective was called to the scene and was writing up an arrest warrant for Francis when he drove up in the Infiniti just before 11 p.m., the affidavit said. Deputy William Hatch, who was sitting in his patrol car nearby, saw the car and got out to confront Francis.

According to the affidavit, Francis got out, turned toward the deputy and fired two shots. Hatch returned fire and hit Francis, causing him to fall in the driveway, the affidavit said. Francis was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.

No one else was hurt.

Hatch, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2016, will be on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement completes its investigation of the shooting.

dharris@orlandosentinel.com

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