LEESBURG – Leesburg police officers are still searching for the suspect involved in a shooting near US Highway 441 and Lake Street late Monday night according to Lt. Joe Iozzi.
According to a release, an officer with the Leesburg Police Department attempted a traffic stop at approximately 10:37 p.m. on a suspect riding a bicycle. At that time, the bicyclist rode his bicycle over the curb and into the shoulder of the road.
The suspect refused to cooperate with officers and continued to “fidget” with his hooded jacket ignoring the officer’s commands to show his hands.
The suspect then suddenly pulled out a firearm and fired one shot in the officer’s direction missing the officer and striking the windshield of the patrol car.
The officer returned fire, however, it is unclear if the suspect was injured before he fled on foot heading south on US Highway 441 toward Lake Street.
The officer attempted to pursue the suspect in his vehicle but was unsuccessful at the time.
A perimeter roadblock was established and other agencies, including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, and K-9 units from Leesburg and Lake County, responded to assist in the search.
The search continued through the night, however, officers were unable to locate the suspect.
The investigation remains open and officers are still actively searching for the suspect or anyone with information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts.
No description of the suspect has been released at this time.
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