GAINESVILLE, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple other agencies, was called in to assist the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in response to an armed subject in the area of Interstate 75 near Micanopy, where FHP reported that shots were fired.
Law enforcement contained and searched the area to locate the suspect. After law enforcement made contact with the suspect, a confrontation did occur and the suspect is deceased.
Officials did not give the exact circumstances of the man’s death, but according to Sheriff Sadie Darnell, gunfire was exchanged. Darnell said that the man threatened and fired on officers first, WJCB-TV reported.
No law enforcement officers were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has responded to take over the investigation.
EARLIER REPORT: Interstate 75 has been closed for northbound traffic beginning at the 374 mile marker (Micanopy). Traffic is being diverted onto US 441. The closure is due to an armed suspect that fired several rounds from a handgun at a FHP Trooper. The Trooper had arrived to assist a disabled vehicle when an unknown black male began firing at him & then fled into the woods.
A perimeter has been established & it is believed the suspect is contained within. ASO SWAT has been deployed to the location & are in the process of searching & attempting to locate the suspect.
The Interstate northbound at the location will be closed an undetermined time.
