Sheriff: Suspect wanted in connection with deadly shooting at Debary IHOP arrested

DEBARY, Fla. — Volusia County sheriff’s deputies said they arrested Sammy McKnight, Jr. on Tuesday night following a fatal shooting at a Debary IHOP.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said a warrant had been issued for Sammy McKnight Jr., for arrest on a charge of second-degree murder.

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On Sunday investigators identified McKnight as a person of interest in the deadly shooting at a DeBary IHOP on Friday evening.

On Monday, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced a $5,000 reward available for information leading to McKnight’s arrest.

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On Tuesday, following the arrest Sheriff Mike Chitwood said “We had a $5,000 reward out and I’m ecstatic to say I’ll be handing a check to the person who recognized our suspect and called.”

The 31-year-old was arrested Tuesday night in Daytona Beach after Volusia County deputies and officers from Daytona Beach PD chased McKnight down and took him into custody

Investigators also said 35-year-old James Shirley of DeBary passed away on the scene of Friday night’s shooting.

Deputies said the shooting happened at around 6:30 p.m. at the IHOP on Dirksen Drive in DeBary.

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Gunman & Victim identified in fatal shooting at DeBary IHOP Gunman & Victim identified in fatal shooting at DeBary IHOP (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators released images of McKnight’s car a light blue or gray 2007 Cadillac CTS with Florida tag LNI-T47.

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