A chaotic scene near a Leesburg homeless camp turned deadly today, and Lake County deputies are now combing the area for a man they say is armed and on the run. A gunshot victim died at a hospital after the shooting, and another person, who was bitten by a dog during the same encounter, is receiving medical treatment, according to authorities. Deputies have named a person of interest and are urging neighbors to steer clear of the area while the search continues.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the person of interest as 43-year-old Matthew Lee Pasco and says the shooting unfolded near 1904 Griffin Rd., deputies told ClickOrlando. Investigators say it started when a woman was attacked by a dog near the camp. Pasco allegedly tried to shoot the dog but instead hit the dog’s owner, who later died at the hospital. Deputies say Pasco was last seen on foot wearing a navy blue T-shirt and is described as about 5 feet 11 inches tall, around 150 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a noticeable scar on the right side of his face.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the case, is warning residents not to approach Pasco if they spot him and to call 911 immediately. The agency’s website lists its non-emergency line as (352) 343-2101 and notes that public information officers are on call for breaking incidents, with official updates posted on the department’s channels when available. Deputies say Pasco is believed to be armed and that the manhunt is still very much active.
As reported by ClickOrlando, anyone with information can email [email protected] or contact Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Lake County Public Schools placed Carver Middle School on lockdown while deputies searched the area, according to the outlet, though officials have not publicly identified the shooting victim or the person who was bitten by the dog. Deputies described Pasco as homeless and known to frequent the Leesburg area and again cautioned that he is believed to still be armed.
Local context
Encampments and related disturbances have been a recurring flashpoint for county and city officials, with local reporting over the past year detailing arrests and trespassing complaints tied to informal camps around Leesburg. For a look at how authorities handle complaints, enforcement and cleanups around these sites, see coverage by Leesburg-News.
What to watch
Investigators with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are still searching for Pasco and have not yet announced any formal charges. The agency says it will release new information on its website and social media channels as the case develops. In the meantime, residents with tips are urged to reach out to the sheriff’s office or Crimeline and avoid confronting the person of interest themselves.
