NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – One person is dead and three others, including a Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, were hospitalized Monday afternoon following a series of shootings in the area of Davista Avenue and Sawtell Street.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a man and woman were clearing a lot they owned when a neighbor from across the street, identified as 43-year-old Michael Eugene Smith, began firing a weapon at them. The victims, whose names have not been released, fled to a nearby residence and called 911. A Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene and was also shot by Smith. The deputy was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 847-8100 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
