A manhunt is underway in Florida after deputies say a man trying to stop a dog attack accidentally shot and killed the animal’s owner, prompting a massive police search and school closures.43-year-old Matthew Lee Pascoe fled the scene on foot after the shooting Friday in Leesburg, Lake County. Authorities say the incident occurred on Griffin Road near a homeless encampment area, The Independent reports. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Pascoe allegedly intervened when a dog attacked a woman and attempted to shoot the animal. However, the dog was not injured, but the dog’s owner, a man, was shot dead.The victim was taken to hospital but later died. The woman who was attacked was also injured in the dog attack and is receiving treatment. Their names have not been released.Deputies said Pascoe fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large. He is believed to be still armed with a handgun.He is described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a noticeable scar on the right side of his face.
Officials say he is homeless and is known to frequent the Leesburg area. The authorities warned the public not to approach him.Lake County Public Schools confirmed that Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown during the search.Pascoe is currently considered a “person of interest” and is not formally charged, but police say he is armed and dangerous. Officials have launched multiple communication channels for information and urged anyone who sees them to contact law enforcement immediately.
