A tragic incident in Leesburg has left one man dead after a homeless individual allegedly tried to intervene in a dog attack but instead shot the animal’s owner.
The case is now under active investigation, with authorities searching for the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
What Happened at the Scene
The suspect, identified as Matthew Lee Pasco, allegedly attempted to shoot a large dog that was attacking a woman near a homeless encampment.
According to officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the situation took a deadly turn when Pasco missed the dog and instead struck the animal’s owner.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but later died from the gunshot wound.
911 Call Captures Chaos
A frantic 911 call from the scene captured the confusion and panic as the incident unfolded.
A caller can be heard saying:
“There’s a gunshot wound now.”
Another voice described the sequence of events, explaining that someone had tried to shoot the dog, but the owner intervened and was shot instead.
The call also included sounds of gunfire and screaming, highlighting how quickly the situation escalated.
Victims and Injuries
The shooting resulted in multiple victims:
- The dog’s owner, who was fatally shot
- A woman, who suffered multiple dog bites and was hospitalized
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved.
Suspect Description and Ongoing Manhunt
Pasco, 34, fled the scene on foot and remains at large. Law enforcement has issued a public warning urging residents not to approach him.
He is described as:
- Approximately 5’11” tall
- Around 150 pounds
- Brown hair and brown eyes
- A prominent scar on the right side of his face
- Last seen wearing a navy blue T-shirt
Officials believe he may be armed, making the situation particularly dangerous.
School Lockdown and Community Impact
Following the shooting, nearby Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Residents in the area reported hearing gunshots and expressed fear over the uncertainty of where the danger was coming from.
One local homeowner described the moment:
“Just hearing the shot — you don’t know where it’s coming from.”
Where the Incident Occurred
The shooting took place near a homeless camp in Leesburg, an area where Pasco was known to spend time. Investigators are working to determine the full sequence of events and whether any additional factors contributed to the tragedy.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials emphasized that Pasco should not be approached under any circumstances due to the potential risk.
Summary of Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Matthew Lee Pasco, 34 |
| Location | Leesburg, Florida |
| Incident | Attempted to shoot dog, fatally shot owner |
| Victims | One dead, one injured (dog attack) |
| Status | Suspect at large |
| Public Safety | Armed and dangerous warning issued |
This incident shows how quickly a situation can spiral when firearms are introduced into already tense moments. What may have been an attempt to stop a violent dog attack ended in a fatal mistake, leaving a family without a loved one and a community on edge.
As the search for the suspect continues, authorities are focused on ensuring public safety and bringing clarity to what led to this tragic outcome. The case also raises broader questions about intervention, firearm use, and how unpredictable emergencies can become in seconds.
