Hernando deputies shoot felon after he fires on patrol car in Spring Hill

Editorial graphic by Hernando County Community Website. This is a graphic summary, not a photograph of the event or location.

What happened

Hernando County deputies responded around 2:30 p.m. Saturday to a domestic-related call on U.S. 19 in Spring Hill, just south of Applegate Drive, according to Sheriff Al Nienhuis's office. The call indicated the suspect — a registered sex offender and convicted felon with a history of battery and violence toward law enforcement — had threatened a girl under 10 years old. After making the threats, the man left the home, possibly armed.

Timeline of the Spring Hill shooting

1. 2:30 p.m. Saturday

   Deputies respond to domestic threat call on U.S. 19 near Applegate Drive

2. Shortly before 8 p.m.

   Deputy spots suspect's vehicle near Hunters Lake Road and Lori Drive

3. Moments later

   Suspect jumps out and fires on patrol car; deputy reverses to avoid being hit

4. Same time

   Additional deputies arrive; two return fire, striking the suspect

5. Aftermath

   Suspect wounded, condition undisclosed; nearby car hit by gunfire; two deputies on paid leave

Source: fox13news.com

Confrontation near Lori Drive

Shortly before 8 p.m., a deputy located the suspect's vehicle near Hunters Lake Road and Lori Drive. As the deputy pulled up behind him, the man got out and opened fire on the patrol car; the deputy avoided being hit by leaning his seat back and reversing away. Additional deputies arriving on scene engaged the suspect, who officials say was shooting randomly, and two of them returned fire, striking him. A car parked nearby was also hit, with its window damaged.

Investigation and what's still unknown

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds, but his condition has not been released, and the sheriff's office has not identified him publicly. Investigators have not said whether he fired any shots at himself during the exchange. No deputies were hurt, and officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public. As is standard after an officer-involved shooting, the two deputies who fired their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Sheriff's Office investigation continues.