Deputies step up patrols on I-Drive after tourist from Turkey killed during robbery

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies have stepped up patrols in the tourist-filled International Drive area after a 52-year-old Turkish man visiting Orlando for his honeymoon was shot and killed while he defended his wife during an armed robbery, deputies said.

Osman Darcan had just returned with his wife to the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive at about 1:40 a.m. Thursday, investigators said.

Darcan's wife was approached by an armed man who tried to snatch her purse as the pair got out of their car in the hotel's parking lot, deputies said.

"There was a struggle that ensued, and the male victim was shot and he was pronounced deceased on the scene," Orange County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Rose Silva said.

Darcan's 44-year-old wife, who was not identified, was not injured in the robbery, deputies said.

The shooter was described as a heavy-set, dark-skinned man of unknown race, with short bushy hair and eyebrows.

He fled the scene in a reddish or orange vehicle with a black stripe on the side, investigators said.

"We continue to work closely with the Turkish consulate as well. Our victim's advocate, tourism victim advocate has been working with the family,” said Capt. Angelo Nieves, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Channel 9 learned that Darcan was a professor in Turkey. A colleague of his translated tweets from the university he worked at, which informed followers about the professor’s death and offered condolences to his lived ones.

Multiple deputies were seen driving around and patrolling the area on Thursday night.

Though deputies say the area is one of the safest in Orange County, other tourists were shaken by the robbery and Darcan's death.

"Super shocking and quite obviously devastating," Tyran Cooper said.

The incident made Jessica Angelone, who was visiting from Sweden with her grandmother, question how safe she was staying in the I-Drive area.

"I am just here and I don't feel very safe," she said. "With my grandma, we are only two ... and to see (the shooting), it is very frightening."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is encouraging visitors in the area of Thursday's shooting to be vigilant and to contact the authorities if they see anything suspicious.

The Wyndham Hotel Group released a statement Thursday afternoon:

"We are shocked and saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family during this devastating time. The safety and security of our associates and guests is our top priority, and please know that we are cooperating with the authorities on their investigation. Given that this is an active investigation, we’re unable to provide any details or comment further, and ask that you direct all questions to the local authorities."

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said in a statement:

"On behalf of the entire Orange County community, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Osman Darcan. I have the utmost confidence in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and their ability to bring whoever is responsible for this heinous act to justice. I join in urging anyone with information to please come forward and contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 407-423-TIPS (8477)."

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