ECSO: Search underway for man who fired shots at deputies trying to serve warrant

A manhunt is underway for a 28-year-old man who fired a long rifle at Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies trying to serve him with an arrest warrant Friday afternoon, said ECSO spokesman Maj. Andrew Hobbs

Deputies, police officers and state troopers gathered shortly before 2 p.m. Friday in the area near Saufley Pines Road and Blue Angel Parkway to search for the suspect, who ECSO identified as Tyler Brooks.

Authorities said Brooks is considered armed and dangerous. He remained at-large as of 2 p.m.

Brooks is a young, white man with long hair. He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt and carrying a rifle, Hobbs said. Anyone with information about Brooks is asked to contact the ECSO.

The incident started when ECSO deputies on Friday afternoon tried to serve an arrest warrant on Brooks near Saufley Pines Road and Matthews Junction.

“When they got there, Brooks opened fire with a long rifle on our deputies and ran off into the woods while still firing behind him,” Hobbs said.

No one was injured in the incident.

The Pensacola Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol and agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission all sent personnel to assist in the manhunt.

Drivers should expect roads, streets and avenues of travel to be closed in the area as the search continues.

Colin Warren-Hicks can be reached at colinwarrenhicks@pnj.com or 850-435-8680.