Man wanted after deadly shooting in Leesburg; man tried to shoot attacking dog, but shot owner instead

Manhunt underway in Lake County after fatal shooting during dog attack

Authorities in Lake County are conducting a large-scale search for a man identified as a person of interest in a fatal shooting that followed a dog attack near a homeless camp in Leesburg.

LEESBURG, Fla. - The Lake County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man who they say attempted to shoot a dog that was attacking a woman. Instead, the person of interest shot the dog's owner, killing him, deputies said. 

Now, deputies are searching for the man, who they say ran away from the area after the shooting, officials said.

Schools in the area are placed on lockdown due to the police activity.

What we know:

The shooting reportedly happened around a homeless camp, on April 17 near Griffin Road and Tally Box Road, in Leesburg.

According to LCSO, a woman was reportedly being attacked by a large dog. A man, later identified as Matthew Lee Pasco, 43, attempted to shoot the dog, but ended up shooting the dog's owner, deputies said. 

Deputies said the victim – a man – was transported to the hospital, where he died. His name has not been released. 

The woman who was attacked by the dog was also taken to the hospital for treatment. Her condition was not immediately known.

Deputies: ‘Person of interest’ sought

Lake County deputies are looking for Matthew Pasco.

He is described as 5' 11", with brown hair and brown eyes, and approximately 150 pounds. He has a scar on the right side of his face. He is considered to be homeless and is known to frequent the homeless camp.

LCSO released a photo of Pasco. He is believed to be armed with a handgun.

Matthew Lee Pasco, 43

What they're saying:

Deputies say the shot struck and killed the dog’s owner instead.

A 911 call released by authorities captured the chaotic moments as the situation unfolded, including a gunshot and screams, followed by a caller reporting a gunshot wound.

Officials say Pasco has not been charged but is considered armed and dangerous. 

The sheriff’s office said Pasco is believed to be homeless.

What you can do:

Authorities are urging the public not to approach him and to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with any information.