One dead, several injured after shooting at Orlando high-rise
 

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From the BNO Newsroom.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNO NEWS) -- One person was killed and several others were injured when a gunman opened fire at the Gateway Center in Orlando on Friday morning, according to officials. The gunman was later taken into custody.

Orlando Fire Department spokeswoman Vicky Robles told BNO News that 40-year-old Jason Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the eighth floor around 11 a.m. local time. Robles said four people were transported to a local trauma center in "extremely critical condition." One other gunshot victim was also taken to hospital, while a person complaining of chest pain was also hospitalized. WFTV, a local television station, initially reported that 17 people had been shot, but a police spokeswoman said that was not accurate.

A fire department official said a 911 call came in around 11 a.m. local time. The caller reported gunfire on the eighth floor, and Robles confirmed the shooting took place on that floor.

An initial search of the building by police and SWAT teams found no suspects and Rodriguez was taken into custody around 2.15 p.m. local time when a second search was underway. He was arrested at his mother's home where he surrendered to police. A police spokeswoman confirmed he is a former employee of Reynolds Smith & Hills Inc, a business located inside the building.

Schools in the area, and also the office building itself, were on lockdown while heavily armed officers were patrolling the area. Roads nearby were blocked as the situation developed.

Florida governor Crist canceled his schedule for the day "due to the ongoing situation in Orlando," his office said.  

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