LEESBURG, Fla. – Authorities in Lake County are delving into a fatal shooting incident that took place near a homeless encampment in Leesburg. They are actively pursuing a suspect who is believed to still be carrying a weapon.
The event unfolded in the vicinity of 1904 Griffin Rd. in Leesburg.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the person of interest as 43-year-old Matthew Lee Pasco, a Caucasian male. The situation escalated after a woman was attacked by a dog close to the homeless site. Pasco is accused of trying to shoot the dog, inadvertently hitting the dog’s owner instead.
The owner, who was wounded by the gunfire, was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The woman who suffered dog bites is also receiving medical attention for her injuries, according to deputies.
Pasco reportedly left the scene on foot and was last observed wearing a navy-blue T-shirt. He is described as standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, and a noticeable scar on the right side of his face.
In response to the manhunt, Carver Middle School has been placed under lockdown, as reported by Lake County Public Schools.
Pasco is homeless and is known to frequent the Leesburg area. Authorities believe he is still armed with a handgun. Anyone who comes in contact with Pasco is urged not to approach him and to immediately notify law enforcement.
Anyone with information on Pasco’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101, by email at tips@lcso.org or through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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