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Man charged with attempted homicide of officer following Pasco County shooting

Joseph Midkiff, 34, is accused of stealing car and firing a gun at deputies who were chasing him.

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.

Credit: Pasco County Sheriff's Office

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.

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