HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – A suspect in Florida wanted for sexual battery of a child was killed during an incident with Highlands County deputies early Tuesday morning.
31-year-old Matthew Dillon Owens dies in the incident.
No deputies were injured as a result of the shooting.
On Tuesday, at approximately 4:57 a.m., deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue Dodge pickup truck driven by Owens, who refused to stop the vehicle and led law enforcement on a chase from Highlands County into Hardee County, then back into Highlands.
In the news: Lakeland Man Killed When Truck Crashes Into House
Owens crashed the truck into a citrus grove just south of Old Bombing Range Road in the Avon Park area, then fled on foot through the grove.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Teams responded to the area and located Owens approximately a quarter mile from the vehicle, hiding in the top of a tree approximately 25 feet off the ground.
Deputies gave Owens verbal commands to come out of the tree, and he refused. Deputies could see something in Owens’ hand, and commanded him to drop it.
Again, Owens refused to follow commands. Owens then pointed the object at deputies, who fired their weapons, striking Owens.
Owens was removed from the tree and immediately given medical attention. At approximately 8:30 a.m., he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
In the news: Florida Remains Out Of Advisories As Tropical Storm Bret Strengthen
“Owens was very aware he was wanted by law enforcement. On the evening of Sunday, June 18, Owens fled from law enforcement in Highlands and Hardee counties, and then again on Monday, June 19, he fled law enforcement in the St. Lucie County area,” said HCSO.
According to deputies, Owens had several active warrants for his arrest, which included two counts of capital sexual battery, one count of lewd molestation of a child under 13 years of age, and felony domestic violence battery.
“As is the policy of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, this deputy-involved shooting will be investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force,” said HCSO.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.