Hernando Deputies Seek Suspect Accused of Throwing Deadly Missile Into Occupied Vehicle

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office launched a countywide manhunt Sunday after investigators obtained a warrant alleging a suspect "threw a deadly missile at, within, or into an occupied vehicle," the department announced through its social media "Manhunt Monday" alert.

Authorities have not released the suspect's name, the precise date or location of the alleged offense, or whether anyone was injured. What deputies have released is a physical description: the person being sought stands approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. A photo was also shared publicly to aid identification.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office confirmed that no bond has been set in the case, a detail that typically signals investigators sought a warrant with no-bond status to limit the suspect's ability to quickly walk free upon a potential arrest.

The charge carries serious consequences under Florida law. Shooting or throwing a deadly missile is a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine. The offense involves the projection of a dangerous object at a building, vehicle, or vessel with wanton or malicious intent. Critically, if a vehicle is targeted, the prosecution must prove the vehicle was occupied by another human being.

The term "missile" under Florida law is broader than it might sound. Florida courts have found objects including a grapefruit thrown through the window of a vehicle, a soft drink bottle, a rock, and a metal lock to qualify as missiles under the statute.

The HCSO's "Manhunt Monday" format is a recurring public-awareness tool the department uses on social media to surface active warrant cases and solicit tips from the community. The case remains active, with deputies continuing efforts to locate the individual.

Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts is urged to contact the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at hernandocountycrimestoppers.com.