Bondsman Fires At Fleeing Suspect

Updated April 20 3:38 p.m.

is investigating why a bail bondsman decided to shoot at a fleeing suspect's car and where the suspect is now.

Bail bondsman Nathan Rockwell had attempted to arrest Kyle Courtwright, 30, at 3:50 p.m. Thursday at Blanche Place and 56th Street, but Courtwright fled in a car and Courtwright fired his gun, striking a tire on the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.

Rockwell claims that Courtwright was trying to drive into him and hit his vehicle as Courtwright fled from the location, said Wendy Rose, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. Courtwright has not been located at this time.

Courtwright is wanted for failing to appear in court for obstruction without violence, drive with a suspend license, and fleeing to elude law enforcement, the sheriff's office reported.

Rockwell pursued Courtwright to Whitfield Avenue and University Parkway where Courtwright stopped his vehicle and fled on foot southbound, the sheriff's office reported. 

Responding deputies setup a perimeter in an attempt to locate Courtwright but he was never found. 

Courtwright is described to be a white male, 5 feet 9 inches, 180 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), online at www.crimestoppers.com.