Cops accidentally kill 22-year-old woman in chaotic nightclub arrest of 'gun-wielding maniac'

Police in Orlando accidentally shot and killed a bystander early Tuesday during an attempt to arrest a drunken club-goer armed with a gun.

Officers were called to the Vixen Bar shortly before 1 a.m., after an employee reported “a gun-wielding maniac” terrorizing other patrons, reported the Orlando Sentinel.

"There was a guy who was kicked out of a bar because he was too drunk and now he's waving his handgun," the employee told dispatchers. "I had to run inside and lock my door before he did something stupid."

Police identified the gunman as 23-year-old Kody Roach, and arriving officers ordered him to drop his weapon and lie on the floor.

When he refused, police said, they attempted to use a Taser on him.

Officers shot at him after Roach tried to raise his weapon or reach for the wires attached to the Taser, police said.

Witnesses said officers Jeff Angel, a 14-year veteran, and Eduardo Sanguino, a two-year veteran shot at Roach until he fell.

But a stray bullet fired from Sanguino’s gun struck another patron, 22-year-old Maria Fernanda Godinez, and killed her, police said.

Both officers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Another officer, 19-year veteran Lt. Frank Nunez, was shot in the leg and recovering at home.

Roach was charged with carrying a concealed firearm, and he could be charged with felony murder in connection with Godinez’s death.

The Vixen Bar regular has previous arrests for burglary, grand theft, and resisting arrest.

The suspect was listed in stable condition at an area hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Police said Roach had not fired his gun during the incident, which remains under investigation.

Watch this video report posted online by WFTV-TV: