Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies confirmed that the suspected wanted for shooting a deputy last week was arrested in Central Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — A person who was wanted for shooting a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy last week was caught in Central Florida on Thursday afternoon.
The sheriff’s office said that 33-year-old Leandro Fernandez Sanchez of Miami was found at an Econo Lodge Inn and Suites in Kissimmee. U.S. Marshals and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody.
Authorities said Sanchez tried to avoid being caught by putting on a wig to make himself look different.
Investigators said that on Feb. 17, detectives were watching Sanchez in connection with an armed break-in at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport where a car was broken into and a gun was stolen from the car.
When the police tried to catch him, Sanchez drove away in the stolen car, the detectives said.
A short time later, deputies found the suspect nearby.
The sheriff’s office said Sanchez then drove the stolen car into a deputy’s car, which was a serious attack on a police officer.
At least one deputy then shot at the car with their gun.
Investigators said Sanchez was able to leave the area on foot and steal a Broward County Paratransit TOPS shuttle bus to get away. The bus driver was hurt a little bit during the carjacking.
Sanchez is expected to be sent to Broward County to face multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding, carjacking, and armed burglary.
