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Sheriff: Citrus County deputies shoot at man who crashed into patrol car

Two deputies were hurt during the encounter, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Two Citrus County deputies were hurt when a man tried to escape a traffic stop, forcing them to fire their guns, the sheriff's office said. 

It happened around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sunoco gas station at the corner of Highway 44 and Crede Avenue, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. 

As a deputy tried to talk with the driver, later identified as John Travis Wilson, 39, during the stop, the sheriff's office said he reversed, crashing into another deputy and patrol car. 

He then drove forward, running into another deputy, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies said they fired their weapons toward him to "neutralize the threat."

Two deputies were hurt during the encounter, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

As Wilson tried to escape, deputies said he crashed into a motorcyclist, seriously injuring the rider. The damage to Wilson's car eventually caused it to come to a stop at the Auto Zone store on Highway 44.

The motorcyclist continues to receive medical treatment. 

Deputies said Wilson tried to run for it but was captured in a nearby neighborhood. A K-9 found illegal narcotics believed to be Wilson's during the traffic stop, the sheriff's office says. 

"This was a very dangerous situation where many lives were put at risk this evening," Sheriff Mike Prendergast said in the release. "We are extremely thankful that none of our deputies were seriously injured, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent victim who was struck and seriously injured by the suspect as he was fleeing the scene."

The investigation will be handled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The two deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, as is sheriff's office protocol. 

RELATED: Citrus County denies request for New York Times digital subscription after 'fake news' claim

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