NASSAU COUNTY — Action News Jax is learning new details in the investigation into Patrick McDowell, the man accused of fatally shooting Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers.
McDowell was not alone when he was pulled over — a woman was in the passenger seat of the van. In newly obtained documents, including McDowell’s arrest warrant, the woman told investigators she was also a victim of the events of Sept. 24.
In a recorded interview with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the woman told agents she was picked up by McDowell at her Jacksonville home around 11:00 p.m. to go trail riding in Nassau County.
The woman told investigators McDowell made a stop at a Jacksonville Big Lots where he got out of his van and entered another car through the back seat. She said McDowell then got back into the van and put something inside the glove box before they continued on their drive, according to the warrant.
Shortly after arriving in Nassau County, Deputy Moyers activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.
McDowell, after seeing the deputy’s emergency lights, told the woman, “I’m not stopping. I’m not going to jail.”
The warrant states that the woman told investigators when she asked McDowell to pull over he responded, “It’s either me or him.”
Once they stopped, Deputy Moyers asked to see both of their drivers’ licenses and McDowell’s insurance and registration. It was then, the woman told investigators, that McDowell reached behind the seat, grabbed a gun and shot Moyers.
After the deputy was shot, McDowell leaned out the window and shot the deputy again.
After he sped off, the woman said McDowell would not allow her to get out of the car despite her pleas.
The woman was finally able to turn on her phone and call 911 after she convinced McDowell to let her go, according to the warrant.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office created a makeshift memorial in front of its headquarters using Moyers patrol vehicle where people can leave their tributes. On Friday, fellow members of NCSO’s Bravo Team presented a wreath at the memorial.
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