Editor’s note: A previous version of this article included a suspect that was distributed in error by law enforcement.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida deputy suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot early Friday morning, according to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
The deputy, who works for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, was shot during a traffic stop around 2:30 a.m., according to Public Information Officer Ashley Spicer. The deputy is being treated at a hospital in Jacksonville.
Spicer says authorities are now on the lookout for 35-year-old Patrick McDowell, who has been named a suspect in the case, according to NBC affiliate WTLV.
“I don’t know the details but our deputy was shot a couple times by this man and we just need to find him,” Spicer said.
According to Spicer, there was another person in the vehicle during the traffic stop. She says that person is cooperating, which is how they determined their suspect.
She added that the sheriff’s office has helicopters, drones and dogs out searching for McDowell. The Florida Highway Patrol and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are helping as well, but Spicer says they need the community’s help to find him “as soon as possible.”
“I would call it an all-out manhunt,” she said. “We have so many agencies involved.”
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
