Man accused of abducting 13-year-old girl from home dies in shooting during active Amber Alert

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) - Authorities say a Florida girl has been found safe following an Amber Alert, with the suspect dead following a shooting.

Florida deputies said the alert was issued earlier this week for a missing 13-year-old after she was abducted by 45-year-old Jason Castillo.

According to authorities, a short time after the Amber Alert was issued, Castillo’s vehicle was detected by license plate readers and a witness.

Deputies spotted the vehicle in question on U.S. Highway 441 in Belleview, but Castillo refused to stop, and deputies performed a PIT maneuver, crashing the vehicle into a ditch.

Authorities said shots were fired as deputies were attempting to take Castillo into custody. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died.

The missing teen was able to be located and was safely returned to her family.

Officials said Castillo had previously dated the girl’s mother.

The deputy-involved shooting is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.