Orange County deputy arrested after pointing gun at Lyft driver

Orlando, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff's Office says they have arrested a fellow deputy after he reportedly pointed a gun at a Lyft driver.

According to the arrest affidavit, an officer responded to the intersection of Narcoosee Road and Lake Nona Club Drive for an armed disturbance complaint. Once they got there, the Lyft driver alleged that his passenger, now identified as Deputy Troy Heyer, was dropped off at a house located in the Nonacrest neighborhood. While remaining outside to do a report on the app, the driver says Heyer came outside and pointed a gun at him, asking "What are you doing here?".

After showing officers the location where Heyer was dropped off, officers approached the house and were greeted by his wife, who explained that they both had attended a restaurant, but left separately and that Heyer had returned home about 45 minutes prior to their arrival. She was then asked to wake him up, but she stated that he couldn't because he had sleep apnea. Eventually, he was able to be woken up and was briefed by officers about the situation.

Shortly after, Heyer stated that he was not going to talk to the officers and that "you're either going to arrest me or I'm going back in the house." He was later detained and according to the report, he had the smell of alcohol on his breath, along with slurred speech and watery eyes.

Based on a sworn statement that was given by the driver along with the driver's desire to press charges, Heyer was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. Heyer had since been relieved of all law enforcement duties without pay while the case is underway. It is also an open Orange County Sheriff's Office internal investigation.

In a statement, Sheriff John Mina said "These are very serious criminal allegations. As law enforcement officers, we must be held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty. These allegations will be thoroughly investigated and the results of that investigation will be made public.”