Homeless Man Kills Dog Owner in Botched Rescue Attempt

Suspect Matthew Lee Pasco remains at large after fatal shooting incident in Leesburg, Florida.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:10am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on the ground, the metallic texture and dramatic shadows creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a tragic shooting incident that left one man dead and a woman injured, exposing the dangers of gun violence even in situations intended as rescue attempts.Leesburg Today

A 34-year-old homeless man in Leesburg, Florida is on the run from police after allegedly attempting to shoot a dog attacking a woman, but instead fatally shooting the dog's owner. The incident occurred near a homeless camp where the suspect, Matthew Lee Pasco, was known to frequent. Pasco is considered armed and dangerous as authorities continue the search.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the complex challenges facing homeless individuals and their interactions with the public, as well as the dangers of gun violence even in situations intended to be a rescue. It also raises questions about de-escalation tactics and the use of force when bystanders intervene in emergencies.

The details

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Pasco allegedly tried to shoot a large dog that was attacking a woman near a homeless encampment. However, Pasco missed the dog and fatally shot the woman's boyfriend or partner, who had tried to intervene. Pasco then reportedly fled the scene on foot. The woman was hospitalized for dog bite injuries, while the male victim died at the hospital.

  • The shooting incident occurred on April 18, 2026 near a homeless camp in Leesburg, Florida.
  • Nearby Carver Middle School was placed on lockdown following the shooting.

The players

Matthew Lee Pasco

A 34-year-old homeless man who is the alleged shooter in this incident and is currently at large.

The Victim

The male partner or boyfriend of the woman who was attacked by the dog. He was fatally shot by Pasco while trying to intervene.

The Woman

The woman who was attacked by the dog and suffered multiple bite injuries. She was hospitalized following the incident.

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What’s next

Police are asking the public for help in locating Matthew Lee Pasco, who is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex challenges facing homeless individuals and the risks of gun violence, even in situations where bystanders are trying to intervene. It raises important questions about de-escalation tactics, the use of force, and how to better support vulnerable populations in emergency situations.