CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — An attempt to pull over a driver in Citrus County Tuesday, ended with two deputies firing shots at a suspect and a bystander injured. 

  • Traffic stop in Crystal River escalates to shots fired
  • Deputies said John Travis Wilson was behind the wheel
  • Deputies fired shots at Wilson who struck their cruiser and caused an injury crash

According to deputies, the scenario started with a 5:30 p.m. traffic stop near a Sunoco gas station on Highway 44 and Crede Avenue in Crystal River. The situation ended with gunshots fired and the suspect's car jumping a curb and striking a tree. 

Deputies said 39-year-old John Travis Wilson of Crystal River was behind the wheel and tried to speed off as deputies were speaking to him. During an ensuing pursuit, he ran his vehicle into the patrol car, slightly injuring the deputies.

Deputies fired shots at Wilson but he kept driving. Wilson ended up hitting another car, injuring that driver before his vehicle struck a tree. Wilson then jumped out of the car and ran off, deputies said. 

 

 

John Travis Wilson of Crystal River was behind the wheel and tried to speed off as deputies were speaking to him, authorities said. (Citrus County Jail)

Deputies caught up with Wilson a few minutes later. 

Wilson, who authorities said has a long criminal history, receiving medical treatment before being booked into jail. 

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast expressed thanks that no deputies were injured. 

"This was a very dangerous situation where many lives were put at risk," Prendergast said. "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." 

The Florida Department of Law Enforecement will take over the investigation, which is commonplace for deputy-involved shooting.