Pasco deputy returns fire after vehicle theft suspect shoots at law enforcement, officials say
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Pasco County investigators are looking into what led up to a deputy-involved shooting that injured a suspect.
Around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were in the middle of a stolen vehicle investigation near Rowan Road and Trouble Creek Road when they encounter a suspect.
They said he was in possession of a stolen vehicle. According to deputies, the man, who was later identified as 34-year-old Joseph Midkiff, ran away, turned, and fired a handgun at the deputies who were pursuing him.
Investigators said one deputy returned fire and a bullet struck the suspect. He has non-life-threatening injuries.
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No deputies were injured.
Deputies say Midkiff has a significant arrest history in Pasco County, which includes violence. He has been arrested on several charges, including attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer.
Deputies said the suspect is in custody. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, which is protocol.