Blue Alert: Deputy shot in stable condition, suspect dead following shootout with homeowner

TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Blue Alert that was issued late Tuesday night for a man accused of shooting a Taylor County deputy in Florida’s Panhandle was canceled Wednesday before 10 a.m.

Law enforcement officials said suspect Gregory Miedema, 33, was found dead in Dixie County after later exchanging gunfire with a homeowner.

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Miedema is accused of shooting a Taylor County deputy during a routine traffic stop and then fleeing the scene, triggering a statewide Blue Alert.

You might have been woken up by the loud notification on your cellphone shortly after 11:30 p.m. A Blue Alert is issued when a law enforcement officer has been seriously hurt and the public’s help is sought.

READ: Blue Alert: What does it mean in Florida?

Officials said the deputy involved is in stable condition undergoing reconstructive surgery.

Following the deputy being shot, the Dixie County sheriff said they received a call about an armed man attempting to break into a home. Officials said the homeowner exchanged gunfire with the man, identified as Miedema.

Investigators said Miedema was found dead at the home, and the homeowner received a gunshot wound but is expected to be released from the hospital soon.

See: What does a Blue Alert mean in Florida?

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FDLE said he was last seen in the area of the block of U.S. 19 S. Deer Run Road in Perry wearing a dark-colored tank top.

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Officials said he may have been traveling in a gold 2000 Chrysler Sebring with FL tag number Y78TKU. The vehicle has a dark-colored convertible top.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a Blue Alert is a request for assistance from the public following the disappearance, ass

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