Callahan, FL – A Nassau County sheriff’s deputy was shot while conducting a traffic stop early Friday morning.
A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was also shot during a subsequent search for the gunman, WTLV reported.
The alleged shooter has been identified as 35-year-old Patrick McDowell.
McDowell stands five feet, 10 inches tall.
Police said should be considered armed and dangerous.
The initial attack occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. during a traffic stop near Micker Street in the Callahan Area of U.S. 301, according to WTLV.
Details regarding the reason for the stop are unclear.
Police said McDowell allegedly shot a Nassau County deputy multiple times during the stop before fleeing the scene on foot.
A second person in the suspect vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, WTLV reported.
The wounded deputy was transported to UF Health in Jacksonville with life-threatening injuries.
The deputy’s identity has not been released.
The wounded JSO K9’s condition is unknown.
Resident Denise Martin, who lives near the scene of the shooting, said she was out on her porch when she heard the gunfire erupt, WJXT reported.
Martin said she heard a barrage of gunfire, followed by one single shot.
A helicopter flew in about five minutes later and began searching a wooded area from the air, she told WJXT.
More photos of our suspect Patrick McDowell. Please call police ASAP if you see him. pic.twitter.com/M6QwbGlyzR
— Nassau County SO (@NCSO_FL) September 24, 2021
Much of US 301 in Callahan, FL remains closed as the manhunt continues for the suspect who shot a @NCSO_FL deputy this morning.
Buses may not be able to get to some students in Callahan due to the road closures, so if your child stays home, the absence will be excused. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/7wHoA2axMy— Dawn White (@DawnWhiteNews) September 24, 2021
RIGHT NOW: Heavy police presence in Callahan off 301 and Higginbotham dr. Several witnesses tell us they heard gunfire. NCSO and JSO are here. JSO’s helicopter is searching the area. NCSO can’t release anything yet. We’re working to find out what happened. @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/8RI3ngJmZ5
— Corley Peel (@WJXT_CorleyPeel) September 24, 2021
A Nassau County deputy suffered life-threatening injuries&was taken to UF Health Jacksonville this morning when he was shot during a traffic stop in Callahan, FL.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Patrick McDowell a 35-yr-old man, alleged shooter armed & dangerous pic.twitter.com/NL2EQFkJv6— 👩🚒Reheaded🧜♀️Mermaid👮🏽 (@MischievousLiz) September 24, 2021
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Sandy Malone
