Orange County deputies searching for Pine Hills shooting suspect

Orange County deputies are currently searching for the suspect of a Pine Hills shooting that occurred early this morning.

The shooting occurred at the Steak ‘n Shake located on West Colonial Drive near Hiawassee Road at about 3:30 a.m., Wednesday, according to a spokeswoman from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to gunfire coming from the Steak ‘n Shake parking lot and saw two vehicles exit the parking lot seconds after the shots were fired, the spokeswoman said.

Deputies attempted to stop one of the vehicles, but it fled the scene and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The fleeing vehicle later crashed near the intersection of White Road and Clarke Road, and the driver ran away, according to the sheriff’s office.

A .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol was located on the driver side floorboard of the vehicle, which matched the spent shell casings found at the scene of the shooting, the spokeswoman said. A revolver and a stolen Glock. 45 also was discovered at the restaurant.

No shooting victim was found and notice was sent out to local hospitals. Deputies continue to investigate the incident.