A Florida sheriff warned citizens of Nassau County to be on the lookout for a man suspected of killing a deputy: arm yourselves.
If you’re in a home and he breaks into your home and you have a gun, blow him out the door cause he’s like a rabid animal. He will kill you with his mindset,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said at a press conference. “What he did to that deputy, was uncalled for, unnecessary and he needs to pay for it.”
Deputy Josh Moyers was shot in the face and the back during a traffic stop on Friday. The 29-year-old law enforcement officer died Sunday.
“It is with great sadness that I announce Deputy Josh Moyers has passed away this afternoon, September 26, 2021 at 2:19 PM at UF health in Jacksonville. Please keep Josh’s family and fiancé in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this terrible tragedy,” Leeper said.
A massive manhunt is under way for Patrick Rene McDowell, who the sheriff described as a rabid animal.
“We now have a murderer on the loose in our community,” he said.
The sheriff also warned citizens not to provide any assistance to the suspect.
“If we find out anybody has helped him or is going to help him, do not do that. If we find out you’ve helped this guy, we’re going to arrest you. We’re going to arrest you. We’re going to arrest you for preventing us from capturing him,” Leeper warned.
Deputy Moyers left behind a fiance.
The body of deputy Josh Moyers has been brought to the medical examiner’s office. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/bFAPfnMVvC
— Atyia Collins (@Atyia_Collins) September 26, 2021
Please pray for Deputy Josh Moyers, his family, fiancé, friends, and his NCSO brothers and sisters during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/r9QchXcoay
— Nassau County SO (@NCSO_FL) September 24, 2021