Suspect faces murder charge after authorities say he fired at a dog.
LEESBURG, Fla. — A man accused of trying to stop a dog attack by shooting the animal has been arrested after authorities said he instead killed the dog’s owner, setting off a weekend search before his capture.
The incident has drawn attention for its unusual and tragic chain of events, with investigators working to determine how an apparent intervention escalated into a fatal shooting. Authorities say the suspect, Matthew Lee Pasco, now faces a first-degree murder charge as detectives examine witness accounts, physical evidence, and the sequence of actions that led to the owner’s death.
Deputies said the situation began Friday when a woman was attacked by a dog in a wooded area of Leesburg. According to investigators, Pasco attempted to intervene by firing a handgun at the dog. During that moment, the dog’s owner moved into the line of fire and was struck. Law enforcement officials said Pasco fled immediately after the shooting, leaving responders to handle both the injured owner and the woman who had been attacked.
Emergency crews transported the dog’s owner to a hospital, where he later died. The woman suffered multiple bite injuries and was hospitalized for treatment. Authorities said two dogs were shot during the incident, with one dying from its injuries. Officials have not released detailed information about the condition of the surviving dog.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said investigators quickly identified Pasco as a suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest the following day. Deputies described the case as complex, noting that initial evidence suggested Pasco may have been trying to protect the woman from harm, though the outcome resulted in a fatality. Officials have not said whether additional charges related to the shooting of the dogs will be considered.
Law enforcement agencies searched for Pasco through Saturday and into Sunday, focusing on areas around Leesburg where he was believed to be staying. Police said he was located and taken into custody Sunday afternoon on North Citrus Boulevard. Authorities said the arrest was carried out without incident.
Investigators said both the suspect and the victim were believed to be homeless, a detail that may complicate efforts to reconstruct their relationship and movements prior to the incident. Detectives are continuing to gather witness statements and review any available surveillance or physical evidence from the scene.
Officials have not disclosed whether the firearm used in the shooting has been recovered or whether Pasco made any statements following his arrest. The case remains under investigation, with authorities expected to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
Pasco is being held in the Lake County Jail as prosecutors review the case. Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for court proceedings or whether further legal actions could follow as the investigation develops.
Author note: Last updated April 22, 2026.