Car Thief Injured in Shootout with Sheriff's Deputies

NEW PORT RICHEY – An investigation is underway into an early morning deputy involved shooting that occurred in the area of Rowan Road and Trouble Creel Road.

Officials say deputies were conducting a stolen vehicle investigation around 2:20 a.m., when they encountered a white male suspect in possession of a stolen vehicle. The suspect fled on foot and fired a handgun at deputies as they pursued him. One deputy returned fire, striking the suspect and causing non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were injured during the shootout.

The suspect was taken into custody and multiple charges are pending, say officials.

Per policy, the deputy has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigation.