According to a social media post from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle pursuit into Marion County has ended with an officer-involved shooting. Authorities say Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted a traffic stop on a Mitsubishi SUV in Hernando because the driver was suspected of having a felony warrant. When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated. Deputies tried to end the pursuit using a tire-deflating device, but the technique was unsuccessful.

Deputies tried the tire-deflation device again and successfully slowed the vehicle. The driver continued into Marion County along Highway 200. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the pursuit and used a PIT maneuver to successfully stop the vehicle causing it to crash into a power pole.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect exited the vehicle with a rifle in hand and posed an immediate threat to deputies and nearby citizens. Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies drew their firearms and fired at the suspect ending the threat. The suspect was taken to a medical facility for treatment. Although there is no threat to the public or surrounding communities, police ask locals to avoid the area.