Gregory Miedema who was wanted by police in Florida for the shooting of a deputy was shot dead by a homeowner when he attempted to break into a home to hide from police. According to police reports Gregory Miedema was wanted in connection to the shooting of a deputy earlier in the day that triggered a blue alert which happens when a law enforcement agent is killed or injured in the line of duty. Deputy Troy Andrson is undergoing surgery after suffering injuries to his face. Gregory Miedema who was a convicted sex offender who spent time in prison for a variety of charges including child pornography, lewd or lascivious battery and intercourse with a victim 12 to 15 years old. The Blue Alert was cancelled after Gregory Miedema attempted to break into a home and was shot and killed by the owner. The homeowner suffered minor injuries when he exchanged gunfire with Gregory Miedema who was armed with several weapons.
Gregory Miedema More News
During a press conference, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett identified the deputy who was shot as Troy Andersen, who returned to TCSO as a deputy six months ago. Padgett added that Deputy Andersen was alone when he was shot Tuesday night and will undergo reconstructive surgery soon. The sheriff said that the suspect was pulled over for a routine traffic stop.
Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler told reporters that around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were called to a residence near the north end of Dixie County after a person called about the shooting of an intruder. The homeowner exchanged gunfire with the suspect after the intruder tried to enter their home. Located outside the home was the deceased suspect and also multiple guns.
The homeowner will be released later Wednesday from the hospital after minor injuries from the gunfight, Sheriff Butler said.
FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez said that the preliminary investigation from FDLE shows that the roadside shooting and the attempted home invasion were committed by the same person.
Earlier Reports
ABC 27 has been told that the deputy is in stable condition at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla.
A press conference will be held today at 2 p.m. ABC 27 will have a live stream of the press conference on our website, Facebook and streaming services.
9:45 A.M. WEDNESDAY UPDATE
FDLE canceled the Blue Alert at 9:34 a.m. Wednesday morning and confirmed to ABC 27 that the suspect is “no longer at large.” No further updates were given.
9 A.M. WEDNESDAY UPDATE
A press conference has been scheduled for noon on Wednesday to give an update regarding the shooting of a Taylor County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the ongoing manhunt for the suspect, Gregory Ryan Miedema.
The scene where the shooting happened has been cleared as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol says that a Taylor County Sheriff’s deputy was shot Tuesday night.
The deputy sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene at US 19 and Deer Run Road, south of Salem.
A Florida Blue Alert has been issued for the suspect, Gregory Ryan Miedema. Authorities released photos of him Tuesday night.
A Blue Alert is issued if a law enforcement officer is seriously injured, killed by a subject, or becomes missing while in the line of duty under circumstances causing concern for the law enforcement officer’s safety.
Miedema, a white 33-year-old male, was last seen in Perry.
He is listed at 5-foot-8, 165 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
He may be traveling in a 2000 gold Chrysler Sebring with a Florida License plate tag Y78TKU. The vehicle has a dark-colored convertible top.
If you see Miedema, law enforcement officials say do not approach him.
No other details about the deputy or their injuries have been released at this time.
If you see him, authorities say to not approach him, but instead call 911.
https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/blue-alert-issued-for-man-in-incident-in-taylor-county