Central Florida deputy killed during burglary call

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orange County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday night after responding to a call of numerous car break-ins near Orlando, reports CBS Miami.

According to the Orange County sheriff's office, the 34-year-old deputy saw a suspect sitting in a car with a woman late Monday. The suspect started to run and the deputy pursued him. That's when the man fired at the deputy, hitting him.

The suspect kept running and was found dead in a nearby neighborhood. Authorities say it doesn't appear the deputy fired at him, so they are trying to determine whether he shot himself.

Capt. Angelo Nieves says the fire department "made valiant efforts to save our deputy." But he was pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Investigators were questioning a woman who was sitting in the car with the suspect.

The deputy's name was not immediately released, but Sheriff Jerry L. Demings said he has a wife and three young children.

"The citizens of Orange County lost a true hero who was tragically killed patrolling the streets of our community," the sheriff said in a statement.

Demings was out of town on business when the shooting occurred and was returning Tuesday.