Florida homeless man tries to shoot dog attacking woman, but shoots owner to death instead
Authorities in Lake County, Florida say a violent and chaotic incident near a homeless encampment in Leesburg ended in tragedy after a man allegedly tried to intervene in a dog attack but instead fatally shot a person.
According to investigators, 34-year-old Matthew Lee Pasco is accused of attempting to fire at a large dog that was attacking a woman. Officials say his shot missed the animal and struck the dog’s owner instead, killing him. Pasco then reportedly left the area on foot and remains at large, with law enforcement describing him as armed and dangerous.
Emergency dispatch audio captured the confusion and panic unfolding at the scene. In the call, a man can be heard saying there is a gunshot victim while chaotic sounds, including yelling and additional gunfire, can be heard in the background. Another caller explained that a man had tried to shoot the dog during the attack, but the dog’s owner stepped in front of the animal and was hit instead.
The confrontation took place near a homeless camp where Pasco was known to stay. After the shooting, the dog’s owner was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. The woman who had been attacked by the dog was also taken to the hospital, where she was treated for multiple bite wounds.
Authorities released a description of Pasco as a white male, about 5 feet 11 inches tall and around 150 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a noticeable scar on the right side of his face. He was last seen wearing a navy blue T-shirt.
The incident prompted a precautionary lockdown at a nearby school, Carver Middle School, while police searched the area.
Law enforcement officials are urging the public not to approach Pasco if spotted. Anyone with information about his whereabouts has been asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips through CrimeLine.
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