Celebrity chef Tobias Dorzon was shot during an attempted robbery and the police are on the hunt for five suspects in Hyattsville, Maryland.
The incident took place on November 5, according to a Facebook post shared by the Hyattsville Police Department. Authorities arrived at the scene of a “double shooting” where an attempted robbery took place against a man and a woman, who were returning from dinner. The post initially stated that there were four potential subjects involved.
The pair were shot and taken to the hospital. Law enforcement shared that it was believed that the injuries sustained by the twsome were “not life-threatening.”
While Dorzon was not initially named as one of the victims by the authorities, city council member Wanika Fisher revealed that the Food Network star, 39, was involved in the incident.
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“I am disheartened and saddened by the news that Prince George’s County restaurant owner Tobias Dorzon was one of two people shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday night in my district,” Fisher said in a November 6 statement. “Chef Dorzon owns two amazing restaurants in Hyattsville, is a valued member of the District 2 community, and my dear friend.”
She continued: “Such a horrible act couldn’t have happened to a better person. I am sending my deepest sympathies to him and the second victim, as well as their families and friends, and I wish them both a speedy recovery.”
The Hyattsville police later updated their statement, revealing there were now five potential perps and that they’re in the process of locating a white SUV with a sunroof and an unknown tag.
Dorzon later released a statement about the incident via his restaurant 1123’s official Instagram page to let fans and customers know he was doing OK.
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“Thank you for the overwhelming love during this challenging time. I’m incredibly grateful to be on the road to recovery, and my heart is full seeing your messages,” the chef penned. “Though this incident shook us, my team is stronger than ever, and our doors remain open to serve you the food we love creating.”
He added that if anyone wanted to support him during this difficult time they were more than welcome to come to his restaurant and “enjoy a meal.”
Dorzon has appeared on several Food Network shows, including Chopped, Tournament of Champions and Guy’s Grocery Games. Before following his passion for food, Dorzon played professional football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. While he was with the NFL, Dorzon attended culinary school during the 2012 offseason. Six years later, he opened his first restaurant Union District Oyster Bar and Lounge in Washington D.C.
