Marion County deputy shoots armed suspect after fleeing traffic stop, sheriff’s office says

9 p.m. Update:

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect was shot Tuesday after reaching for a gun while fleeing from a traffic stop.

According to a news release, a Marion County deputy pulled over a dirt bike rider around 7:15 p.m. near Southeast Maricamp Road and Emerald Road.

Deputies said the driver fled on foot toward a field where a youth sports practice was happening.

Investigators said during the chase, the suspect pulled out a gun he was openly carrying, but the deputy shot the suspect.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting, and the deputy was placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol.

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The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating a deputy-involved shooting Tuesday evening.

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Deputies and detectives are at the scene near Maricamp Road and Emerald Road.

There are not many details available at this time.

Channel 9 has a crew headed to the scene and will update as more information becomes available.

See a map of the scene below:

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