Man Shot FL Deputy, Gunman Then Killed By Homeowner In Shootout

FLORIDA — A man at the center of a Blue Alert in Florida, wanted for shooting a deputy in Taylor County late Tuesday night, is dead.

Gregory Gregory Miedema, 33, was a wanted sex offender accused of shooting a deputy multiple times, law enforcement officials said.

Authorities said Miedema shot a Florida deputy, then forced his way into a house and traded gunshots with the resident. The homeowner suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder, while Miedema was fatally shot.

According to the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, deputies at 9:46 p.m. responded to U.S. 19 Highway in Taylor County to assist the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office after one of their deputies was shot while conducting a traffic stop.

Authorities said the injured deputy was airlifted to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

Throughout the night, deputies and other law enforcement agencies searched extensively for Miedema.

Around 7:19 a.m. Wednesday, Dixie County deputies said they were called to a house near Tennille after a homeowner reported shooting an intruder.

The homeowner told deputies he exchanged gunfire with Miedema, who was armed, after he entered the home.

Miedema was dead when deputies arrived, authorities said.

Authorities said the homeowner suffered a wound to his shoulder as the two traded gunfire.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies found Miedema's vehicle and several firearms strategically placed in what appeared to be an ambush setup.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Miedema was convicted as a sex offender in 2011 while serving in the U.S. Army.