A tragic and shocking incident in Leesburg, Florida, has left one man dead, one woman injured, and police searching for a suspect who is believed to be armed and dangerous. What started as a dangerous dog attack quickly turned into a fatal shooting, leaving the entire community in fear and confusion. The situation shows how quickly things can go out of control when panic and weapons are involved.
What happened in Leesburg, Florida?
According to police officials, the incident took place near a homeless camp in Leesburg, Florida. The suspect, Matthew Lee Pasco, who is 34 years old, is said to have been present in the area and reportedly tried to stop a large dog that was attacking a woman. In an attempt to save her, he allegedly fired a gun at the dog.
However, instead of hitting the animal, the bullet struck the dog’s owner. The injured man was immediately taken to the hospital, but sadly, doctors could not save him. He was declared dead after reaching the hospital.
The woman who was attacked by the dog also suffered serious injuries. She was taken to the hospital and treated for multiple dog bites. The entire incident unfolded very quickly, leaving little time for anyone to react properly.
Who is the suspect?
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as Matthew Lee Pasco. After the shooting, he reportedly ran away from the scene on foot and has not been caught yet. Authorities have clearly warned that he is considered armed and dangerous.
Police described him as a white male who is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, along with a noticeable scar on the right side of his face. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a navy blue T-shirt.
Officials have advised the public not to approach him under any circumstances. Instead, they have asked people to contact the authorities if they have any information about his location.
911 call reveals panic and chaos
A 911 call made during the incident gives a clear idea of how chaotic the situation was. In the call, a man can be heard saying that someone had been shot, while loud screams and gunshots could be heard in the background.
Another person explained to the emergency operator that the woman’s partner had tried to shoot the attacking dog, but the owner stepped in front and was accidentally hit. These moments show how quickly the situation became confusing and deadly, with people reacting in fear and urgency.
Woman injured in dog attack
Apart from the fatal shooting, the dog attack itself caused serious harm. The woman who was being attacked suffered multiple bite injuries and required medical treatment.
While the focus of the case is now on the shooting and the missing suspect, the dog attack remains an important part of the story. It highlights how the situation was already dangerous before the gun was used, and how panic can make things even worse.
School lockdown and fear in the area
The impact of the incident spread beyond those directly involved. A nearby school, Carver Middle School, was placed under lockdown as a safety measure after the shooting. This step was taken to protect students and staff while police searched for the suspect.
Residents in the area also felt scared and uncertain. One local person shared that they heard the gunshot but could not tell where it came from. Such moments create fear because people do not know whether they are safe or still in danger.
What police are saying now
Police are actively searching for the suspect and have asked for the public’s help. They have made it clear that no one should try to confront him, as he may still be carrying a weapon.
Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is requested to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by phone at 352-343-2101 or send an email to [email protected]. People can also reach out to Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
The investigation is still ongoing, and officers are working to understand every detail of how the incident took place, including what led to the dog attack and how the shooting happened.
