NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff's Office said an investigation is ongoing after one of its deputies shot a suspected car thief overnight, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting happened around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Rowan Road and Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.
Deputies said they were conducting a stolen vehicle investigation when they came across a man, identified as 34-year-old Joseph Midkiff, in possession of the car. Midkiff then ran off, turned and fired a gun at the deputies who were chasing him, according to the sheriff's office.
One deputy returned fire, striking the man. No deputies were injured in the exchange.
Midkiff was arrested and is facing multiple pending charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, felon in possession of a firearm and grand theft of a vehicle.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, per sheriff's office protocol. The sheriff's office says Midkiff has an extensive arrest history; he was convicted of possession of methamphetamine back in May, the agency added.