WILDWOOD, Fla. — A murder suspect is dead after a shootout with deputies on I-75 in Sumter County near Wildwood, Florida.
At approximately 9:14 a.m. on Thursday morning, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office received a call in reference to a shooting in the parking lot of the Quality Inn, located at 350 E Norvell Bryant Highway in Hernando, Florida. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a white male, later identified as 64-year-old Michael Quirello, laying on the ground and he was pronounced dead by EMS. Witnesses said the suspect, identified as 70-year-old Salvatore Tirone, left the scene in a vehicle described as a black Mercedes Benz SUV.
According to deputies, preliminary investigation indicates that this was a result of a jealous ex-husband who drove to Citrus County with the intent of killing his ex-wife's new paramour.
During the shooting, a bystander tried to intervene in the incident. After grabbing his own firearm, the bystander chased after Tirone to try to stop him. Tirone then ran back towards his car. As he got in, the good Smaritan shot at him. Tirone exited the vehicle and shot at the good Samaritan before speeding off.
At approximately 9:36 a.m., the Sumter County Sheriff's Office received a call in reference to a Citrus County murder suspect leaving the county and entering Sumter county on State Road 44. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle with stop-sticks while he was driving to I-75 from State Road 44. Once on I-75, deputies immobilized the suspect into the center median. Deputies say the armed suspect exited the vehicle and fired at deputies. Deputies returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We are working diligently to investigate this unfortunate incident. Thankfully, it is an isolated incident and all parties have been identified. There is no further threat to the residents of our community and none of our deputies or innocent bystanders were injured," said Sheriff Prendergast. "We greatly appreciate all the assistance provided to us by both the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol, in stopping this armed, dangerous murder suspect. The courage of the good Samaritan likely saved lives today."
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been notified about the deputy-involved shooting.
