Crime Blotter | Featured Stories

By Beth Stibal |

‘All-out manhunt’ for suspect who gravely shot a Florida deputy

Multiple agencies are searching for alleged cop-shooter Patrick McDowell, the suspect wanted for shooting Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputy Joshua Moyers in the face during a traffic stop in Callahan on Friday.

Now doctors say Deputy Moyers will not survive his injuries.

Deputy Joshua Moyers, 29, was shot in the face and back Friday morning outside of Jacksonville, after pulling over Patrick McDowell, according to authorities.

The 35-year-old suspect was driving a stolen vehicle and is still on the lam, cops said.

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said doctors determined “there was just nothing they could do for Josh.”

Moyers is being kept alive until a match can be found for his organs, which will be donated.

Hundreds of cops are searching for McDowell, who is believed to have shot a police dog that was on his trail in a rural area, according to The Florida Times-Union.

The “armed and dangerous” man is also wanted for shooting a Jacksonville Sheriff’s K9 deputy.


“This guy is dangerous. If you’re in a home and he breaks into your home and you have a gun, blow him out the door cause he’s like a rabid animal,” Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said told the media.
The sheriff added, “He will kill you with his mindset. What he did to that deputy, was uncalled for, unnecessary and he needs to pay for it.”
If you have seen the suspect or have any information, you’re asked to call the sheriff’s office at 904-548-4000.