Authorities in Florida have launched a manhunt after a shooting incident in Leesburg, Florida left a man dead and triggered a large-scale search operation.
Shooting during dog attack
The incident occurred on Friday on Griffin Road near a homeless camp area, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said 43-year-old Matthew Lee Pasco intervened when a dog attacked a woman, per a Hindustan Times report.
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Pasco allegedly attempted to shoot the animal to stop the attack. However, the shot did not hit the dog and instead struck the dog's owner. The man was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. The woman involved in the attack was also hurt and is currently receiving treatment. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims.
Suspect flees, search intensifies
Deputies said Pasco fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting and remains at large. Officials believe he is still armed with a handgun and have warned the public not to approach him.
He has been described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities also noted a distinctive scar on the right side of his face. Investigators say he is homeless and known to frequent the Leesburg area.
The search operation prompted safety measures in the area. Lake County Public Schools confirmed that Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown as deputies combed nearby locations.
Person of interest
Pasco is currently being treated as a "person of interest" and has not been formally charged. However, law enforcement agencies have classified him as armed and dangerous.
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Officials have urged residents to remain alert and report any sightings, sharing multiple contact channels for information as the search continues.
