Authorities say the suspect tried to shoot an attacking dog but hit its owner.
LEESBURG, Fla. — A Florida man was arrested after authorities said he fatally shot a dog’s owner while attempting to stop a dog attack on a woman, ending a two-day search that began after the suspect fled the scene.
Investigators say the case centers on a chaotic encounter in a wooded area where a woman was being bitten by a dog. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Matthew Lee Pasco, is accused of firing a handgun during the incident. Officials say the bullet struck the dog’s owner, who later died at a hospital, raising questions about intent, responsibility, and the use of force in emergencies.
The shooting happened Friday near the intersection of Griffin Road and Talbot Road in Leesburg. Deputies said they received information that a woman was being attacked and bitten multiple times by a dog. Pasco allegedly intervened and attempted to shoot the animal to stop the attack. During the encounter, the dog’s owner stepped between Pasco and the animal and was struck by gunfire. Authorities said Pasco left the area immediately after the shooting, prompting a search involving local law enforcement.
Officials said the injured dog owner was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The woman who was attacked by the dog was also taken to a hospital and treated for bite wounds. Investigators said two dogs were shot during the incident, and one of them did not survive. Authorities have not released additional details about the victims’ identities.
According to deputies, both Pasco and the dog’s owner were believed to be homeless. Law enforcement agencies worked through the weekend to locate Pasco, issuing a warrant that charged him with premeditated first-degree murder. The charge reflects investigators’ assessment of the circumstances surrounding the shooting, though authorities have said questions remain about how events unfolded in the moments leading up to the gunfire.
Pasco was taken into custody Sunday afternoon on North Citrus Boulevard in Leesburg. Police said the arrest followed coordinated efforts by multiple agencies and came after a manhunt that lasted roughly two days. Authorities said he was arrested without incident and booked into the Lake County Jail.
Investigators have not publicly detailed whether Pasco and the victims knew each other prior to the incident. Officials have also not clarified whether the shooting will be evaluated in the context of self-defense or defense of others. Law enforcement agencies said the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.
Local officials said the case highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of dog attacks, particularly when weapons are introduced during attempts to intervene. Authorities have not released further information about the surviving dog or any potential animal control actions.
Pasco remains in custody as the case moves forward through the legal system. Authorities have not announced a court date or whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Author note: Last updated April 22, 2026.