Fla. Officers Ambushed by Brick-Wielding Man who Livestreamed Attack
A Florida police officer was significantly injured when he and fellow officer were ambushed over the weekend by a man with a brick who livestreamed his attack, the second unprovoked act of violence against officers in less than a week.
The incident happened as two Orlando officers were standing on a street corner shortly at around 12:40 a.m. Saturday as part of a downtown detail, the police department stated in news release. In video footage streamed online, a man—William D. McClish—is seen hiding behind a car before sneaking up on the officers after he "took time to set up his phone & do a livestream of the attack," according to the department.
The footage shows McClish grabbing a brick and attacking an officer without warning. Four officers eventually were needed to subdue McClish.
One officer suffered a significant facial injury during the ambush. Another officer was bitten and nearly had his eye gouged.
"Our officers will recover from their injuries, but individuals like this who take premeditated steps to harm law enforcement officers and other human beings must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," the department stated.
McClish faces charges that include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest with violence.
The incident Saturday is the second attack on Orland police officers in less than a week. A shootout involving two officers broke out Tuesday when they were ambushed by three people. No officers were injured, and the suspects were apprehended.
