A manhunt is underway in Florida after deputies say a man trying to stop a dog attack accidentally shot and killed the animal’s owner, prompting a massive police search and a school lockdown.Matthew Lee Pascoe, 43, fled the scene on foot after a shooting Friday in Leesburg, Lake County. Authorities say the incident happened on Griffin Road near a homeless camp area, the Independent reports. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Pascoe allegedly stepped in when a dog attacked a woman and tried to shoot the animal. However, the dog was not injured, but the dog’s owner, a man, was shot.The victim was taken to hospital but later died. The woman who was attacked was also injured in the dog attack and is undergoing treatment. Their names have not been released.Deputies said Pasco fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large. He is believed to be still armed with a handgun.She is described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a noticeable scar on the right side of her face. Authorities say he is homeless and frequents the Leesburg area. Authorities have warned the public not to contact them.Lake County Public Schools confirmed that Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown during the search operation.Pascoe is currently considered a “person of interest” rather than formally charged, but police say he is armed and dangerous. Authorities have released multiple contact channels for information and urged anyone who sees him to immediately contact law enforcement.
