Former NFL player turned Hyattsville restaurateur shot in attempted robbery

Tobias Dorzon, a former NFL player turned chef and restaurateur, was one of two people shot during an attempted robbery in Prince George's County, Maryland, on Tuesday night, according to a county council member.

“Such a terrible act could not have happened to a better person. I extend my deepest condolences to him and the second victim, as well as their families and friends, and wish them both a speedy recovery. “We have no place for this type of senseless violence in our district or county,” County Council member Wanika Fisher said in a statement.

WTOP has reached out to police for additional details about the shooting, including the location and time of the shooting and the severity of the victims' injuries.

Fisher said the shooting occurred Tuesday night in her district — District 2 — which is in the northwest corner of the county and includes Hyattsville and other communities.

Dorzon is a highly acclaimed chef who owns and operates two restaurants in Hyattsville – Huncho House and 1123 By Chef Tobias. He has appeared on several food-themed reality television shows, including Chopped, Tournament of Champions, and Guy's Grocery Games.

“Especially when an incident like this happens to someone like Chef Tobias, who is a community member, a leader and a very well-known person, it just shakes people's view of safety,” Fisher told WTOP.

Earlier this year, Dorzon became the first Prince George's County resident to be named Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland.

“He had such a big influence. Tobias was a catalyst for change. He really took University Town Center to the next level,” Fisher said. “We have truly been in a prosperous time, I would say an invigorating time, for this side of Hyattsville, and I am very proud of the work we are doing together. But this incident involving him in a place he chooses not only to work but also to live and make home is simply heartbreaking.”

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