LEESBURG, Fla. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting near a homeless camp in Leesburg and is searching for a person of interest they believe is still armed.
The shooting occurred in the area of 1904 Griffin Rd. in Leesburg.
According to the sheriff’s office, the person of interest has been identified as Matthew Lee Pasco, a 43-year-old white male. The incident began when a female victim was attacked by a dog near a homeless camp. Pasco allegedly attempted to shoot the dog, but instead struck the dog’s owner.
The gunshot victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died. The dog bite victim was also transported to a hospital and is currently being treated for several bites, deputies said.
Pasco fled the area on foot and was last seen wearing a navy-blue T-shirt. He was 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.
According to Lake County Public Schools, Carver Middle School is on lockdown due to the search.
Pasco is homeless and is known to frequent the Leesburg area. Authorities believe he is still armed with a handgun. Anyone who comes in contact with Pasco is urged not to approach him and to immediately notify law enforcement.
Anyone with information on Pasco’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-2101, by email at tips@lcso.org or through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.