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Suspect shoots at trooper after PIT maneuver on I-95, FHP says

By and
Updated  June 9, 2025 6:28am EDT
Florida
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • Investigators say Tommy Leal shot at a sergeant after a PIT maneuver on I-95, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
    • After backup arrived, a brief standoff ensued before the suspect was taken into custody.
    • No law enforcement members were injured during the incident.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol says a man is in custody after driving away from Hillsborough County deputies, then leading troopers on a pursuit and opening fire several hours later.

The backstory:

Investigators say Tommy Leal, 29, left Hillsborough County in his 2024 silver Mitsubishi Outlander on Saturday night after deputies responded to a dispute involving a man with a gun.

Leal was later spotted at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday on I-95 driving northbound from Palm Beach County into Martin County, according to FHP.

READ: Domestic dispute turns to gunfire, killing 1 man in Tampa: TPD

FHP says that a sergeant tried to stop Leal on I-95, and the suspect drove as fast as 109 mph before a PIT maneuver ended the pursuit in St. Lucie County.

As the suspect's Mitsubishi Outlander came to a stop, he started shooting at the sergeant, according to FHP.

READ: Man admits to killing parents in Largo, describes it as 'righteous kill': PCSO

Backup arrived soon after, and troopers arrested Leal.

No law enforcement members were injured during the incident.

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The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

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