The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit and run accident with the Dade City Police Department and a related officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday night. 

Police are now looking for a person of interest in the incident, Devyne Fields, 19. They believe he may have information as to why the driver fled and who it may be.

  • Dade City officer hit, injured during traffic stop
  • Officer investigating possible drug deal when hit
  • Manhunt underway for suspect
  • Person of interest, Devyne Fields, being sought

Officials said a Dade City Police Officer was struck by a vehicle while investigating a possible drug transaction and another officer, responding as back-up, shot at the suspect. 

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday in the 14000 block of State Street. 

Police said Officer Kevin Burns, 38, went to investigate after noticing a gray 4-door sedan stopped in the roadway in the 14000 block of State Street. Believing it was a possible drug transaction, police said Officer Burns called for back-up. 

After Officer Miguel Velez, 27, arrived and pulled in behind the suspect vehicle, Officer Burns moved toward the vehicle as the driver accelerated and struck Burns as he fled the scene. Police said Officer Velez then fired at the fleeing vehicle, before the suspect turned west onto Marshall Avenue. The suspect then hit a Ford Fusion and escaped. 

Officer Burns was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital and remains in stable condition. He has since been released from the hospital.

Officer Velez has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. 

Police said the suspect vehicle is a 2018 Nissan with a Florida tag 770-YRV that is owned by the Hertz Corporation and was reported stolen on Nov. 6. They believe the vehicle's window may have been broken during the encounter and said the suspect is believed to be a black male with short cropped hair. 

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Detective George Richardson at 352-521-1495 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-873-8477.