Shots fired, deputy hit in Holmes County pursuit

A Defuniak Springs man is being held in the Walton County (Fla.) jail after leading a Holmes County Sheriff’s deputy on a chase in which shots were fired from the suspect’s shotgun.

According to a written release from Holmes County Sheriff Dennis Lee, deputy Michael Raley attempted to pull over a suspicious vehicle in response to a burglary call Friday evening. After initially stopping and showing the deputy his driver’s license, the man sped away and the pursuit began. During the pursuit, the man—identified as Matthew Olin Bryan, 35—fired a 12-guage shotgun at Raley’s vehicle, striking it in the hood and windshield. Raley was struck by several rounds in the head, but his injuries were not life threatening. He was later treated and released from Doctor’s hospital in Bonifay.

Bryan was later located by Walton County Sheriff’s deputies near his residence in Defuniak Springs. Still armed, he fled on foot from the deputies. Several law enforcement agencies assisted in the manhunt and he was later located and arrested without incident.

Bryan is facing charges of attempted murder, felon in possession of a firearm and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer.

“I’m of course thankful Sgt. Raley was not seriously hurt or killed,“ Lee said in the release. “I’m also very impressed with Sgt. Raley for remaining calm throughout this incident.“