NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — After a five-day manhunt, authorities have arrested Patrick McDowell, the man accused of fatally shooting Deputy Josh Moyers during a traffic stop last week, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Moyers, 29, died at a Jacksonville hospital on Sunday afternoon after he was shot, Law Officer reported. McDowell, 35, fired and struck the recently engaged deputy in the face first, then again in the neck while Moyers was on the ground, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said.
Leeper said McDowell was located at the Kirsten Higginbotham Sports Complex near Callahan. The sheriff credited a tip on the accused killer’s whereabouts after deputies were able to make the arrest, Orlando Sentinel reported.
“We got our man,” Leeper said at a news conference. “It’s a great day in Nassau County.”
Captured: Patrick McDowell
Thank you all for your support in this search.
Please continue to pray for the Moyers family. 💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/zo3lhcO31a
— Nassau County SO (@NCSO_FL) September 28, 2021
After being surrounded by SWAT officers, McDowell initially did not cooperate. As a result, a K9 was deployed to engage and apprehend the suspect. After the K9 locked onto his arm, McDowell came out of the the bathroom and surrendered, according to the sheriff.
“He crawled like a baby, like the coward he is,” Leeper said.
McDowell received treatment for the bite and gunshot wounds he sustained from exchanging gunfire with deputies during the manhunt, the sheriff said.
During the search for McDowell, a U.S. Marine veteran, last Friday, he used a rifle to shoot K9 Chaos, authorities said. The K9 is expected to recover, News4Jax reported.
Now that McDowell has been captured, deputies are able to begin the mourning process for their fallen partner.
Tonight we begin our 1st shift without you. Tonight we put on a brave face and hide the tears; as there is work to be done…As this night won’t be easy, we hope to soon bring this nightmare to an end. Rest easy knowing Bravo Team is carrying you with us. We love & miss you Moyers pic.twitter.com/tOEhpnl9CI
— Nassau County SO (@NCSO_FL) September 26, 2021
The late deputy is survived by his fiancée. A GoFundMe campaign to help support her has raised $40,000 of a $50,000 goal as of Wednesday morning.
Leeper also said they had arrests pending for people who helped McDowell, saying authorities have at least one in custody and there could be more, Law & Crime reported.
“I wish he gave us an opportunity to shoot him, but he didn’t,” Leeper said of McDowell.
No one else was injured during Tuesday’s arrest.
