Florida man tried to shoot dog attacking a woman but killed the pet’s owner instead, cops say

A manhunt is underway for a Florida man who deputies say tried to stop a violent dog attack but instead shot and killed the animal’s owner.

Matthew Lee Pasco, 43, fled the scene Friday morning following the incident in the central Florida community of Leesburg. The shooting happened on Griffin Road, in the area of a homeless camp, according to investigators.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco allegedly intervened when the dog attacked a woman and attempted to shoot it. The dog was not injured but the dog’s male owner was fatally struck.

That man was transported to a hospital, where he later died. The woman was also taken to a hospital and is being treated for multiple dog bites. Their identities have not been released.

Pasco fled the scene on foot and remains at large.

He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 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 say Pasco is homeless, frequents the Leesburg area, and is believed to still be armed with a handgun. They are urging the public not to approach Pasco.

According to Lake County Public Schools, Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown during the search.

Anyone who comes into contact with him should immediately notify law enforcement. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101, by email at [email protected], or through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The investigation remains ongoing.