Sean Rossman

Democrat staff writer

Update: 4:30 p.m.

A man is facing aggravated battery and resisting an officer charges after Leon County deputies say he beat a deputy so severely it caused multiple facial fractures and then tried to run over another deputy during a violent run-in early this morning.

Shane Maxwell, 27, was caught in a wooded area near Silver Lake Park after he fled into the Apalachicola National Forest. He now faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence.

The incident happened early this morning after deputies were called at 5:22 a.m. and told that Shane Maxwell, 27, was irate and maybe armed with a handgun at a home in the 1400 block of Katie Lois Road off of Blountstown Highway in west Leon County, said Lt. James McQuaig, LCSO spokesman.

Maxwell beat the responding deputy numerous times in the face and head when the deputy tried to make contact with him, but the deputy was able to radio for back up. As the attack ended, McQuaig said, Maxwell jumped in a stolen Honda car and started speeding away as back up deputies arrived. One deputy got out of his car and tried to approach Maxwell who then swerved the car towards the deputy and sped up, McQuaig said.

In response, the deputy fired one shot at the car as it pulled away while avoiding being hit. McQuaig said there is no indication anyone was hit by the bullet.It's unknown whether or not Maxwell was armed or not, McQuaig said.

Maxwell then headed west to the dead end of Clydes Lane about four and a half miles away, where he jumped out of his car and went into the forest.

Deputies, along with help from Florida Highway Patrol troopers and agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, set out on a miles-wide search south of Blountstown Highway to find Maxwell. McQuaig said he was in the woods for about seven hours before they eventually found him Sunday afternoon.

The beaten deputy was taken to a local hospital with multiple facial fractures and later released. The deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal agency review.

Maxwell is currently in the Leon County Jail.

Update: 2:30 p.m.

The Leon County Sheriff's Office has taken into custody Shane Maxwell, 27, who they say beat a deputy earlier this morning then tried to hit another with his car.

Deputies were on a miles-long search for Maxwell earlier today following the violent run-in.

Deputies were called at 5:22 a.m. and told that Maxwell was irate and armed with a handgun at a home in the 1400 block of Katie Lois Road off of Blountstown Highway in west Leon County, said Lt. James McQuaig, LCSO spokesman.

Maxwell beat the responding deputy numerous times in the face and head when the deputy tried to make contact with him. As the attack ended, Maxwell jumped in a stolen vehicle and was fleeing the scene as back up deputies arrived. One deputy got out of his car and tried to approach Maxwell who then tried to run him over, McQuaig said.

In response, the deputy fired one shot at the car as it pulled away. McQuaig said there is no indication anyone was hit by the bullet.

Charges against Maxwell are pending.

Check back with Tallahassee.com for more on this story.

Original Story:

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is currently on a miles-wide search for an armed man who they say attacked a deputy, then attempted to run over another deputy, who then fired a shot at the suspect.

The violent confrontation happened early this morning after deputies were called at 5:22 a.m. and told that Shane Maxwell, 27, was irate and armed with a handgun at a home in the 1400 block of Katie Lois Road off of Blountstown Highway in west Leon County, said Lt. James McQuaig, LCSO spokesman.

Maxwell beat the responding deputy numerous times in the face and head when the deputy tried to make contact with him. As the attack ended, Maxwell jumped in a stolen vehicle and was fleeing the scene as back up deputies arrived. One deputy got out of his car and tried to approach Maxwell who then tried to run him over, McQuaig said.

In response, the deputy fired one shot at the car as it pulled away. McQuaig said there is no indication anyone was hit by the bullet.

Maxwell then headed west to the dead end of Clydes Lane about four and a half miles away, where he jumped out of his car and fled into a nearby wooded area. Deputies have now set out a search south of Blountstown Highway that spans two to three miles wide and four miles long to find Maxwell, who is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds with brown hair. He has since taken off some of his clothes, McQuaig said.

If anyone notices someone suspicious in the area please do not confront them, McQuaig said, instead call LCSO at 606-5800.

Deputies are still unclear why Maxwell was so upset and what sparked the incident.

The deputy who was beaten was taken to a local hospital and the deputy who fired a shot at Maxwell has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.