Florida man shoots and kills dog owner during animal attack in Leesburg

A manhunt is under way in Leesburg, Florida, after a man fatally shot a dog owner while allegedly trying to stop an attack. The suspect remains at large and is believed to be armed.

Manhunt under way after fatal shooting near Leesburg homeless camp

A man is being sought by authorities in central Florida after fatally shooting a dog owner during what investigators describe as an attempted intervention in an animal attack, independent.co.uk reports.

Matthew Lee Pasco, 43, fled on foot from Griffin Road in Leesburg on Friday morning following the incident, which took place near a homeless encampment. He remains at large.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Pasco allegedly stepped in when a dog began attacking a woman and attempted to shoot the animal. The dog was uninjured, but the dog's male owner was struck by the bullet and fatally wounded. He was transported to hospital, where he later died.

The woman who was attacked by the dog was also taken to hospital and is being treated for multiple dog bites. The identities of both individuals have not been released.

Pasco is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a prominent scar on the right side of his face. He was last seen wearing a navy-blue T-shirt. Authorities believe he is still armed with a handgun and is warning the public not to approach him.

The Sheriff's Office says Pasco is homeless and is known to frequent the Leesburg area. During the search, Lake County Public Schools placed Carver Middle School on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Anyone who encounters Pasco is urged to contact law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted to the Lake County Sheriff's Office by phone at 352-343-2101, by email at [email protected], or through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: The Sun