US: Turkish tourist killed defending wife in robbery

NEW YORK (AA) – A Turkish tourist was killed early Thursday in Orlando, Florida, as he tried to defend his wife during an armed robbery attempt, according to local officials.

Osman Darcan, 52, and his 44-year-old wife, who was not named, were on their honeymoon and returning to their hotel when she was approached by a heavy-set male who attempted to take her purse, Orange County law enforcement officials told reporters.

Darcan jumped to his wife's aid and was hit by gunfire from the suspect who fled empty-handed to a waiting vehicle.

He died at the scene, while his wife was not injured but distraught, officials said.

"Our detectives are working diligently to try and piece all of the information together," according to officials who said law enforcement is working with the Turkish consulate as part of the ongoing investigation.

The area around International Drive, where the crime occurred, is described by law enforcement officers as one of the safest in Orange County.

But some tourists told the local television station WFTV9 that they were worried.

The shooting caused Jessica Angelone to question the safety of the area she is in.

"I am just here and I don't feel very safe," according to Angelone, who is visiting from Sweden with her grandmother. "With my grandma, we are only two ... and to see (the shooting), it is very frightening."

Orlando was rocked in June by the worst mass shooting in U.S. history after Omar Mateen allegedly killed 49 victims at a gay nightclub.