Suspect Threatens to Shoot Down Sheriff’s Helicopter During Massive Search

PORT RICHEY (PASCO) – Yesterday, dozens of concerned RNRF viewers inquired about heavy police activity in the area of Lofty Drive. Witnesses reported seeing several Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputies, K-9, and an air unit searching a large area along US-19. According to officials, the massive search was the result of a suspect who fled from deputies and in the process tried to run over the arresting deputy.

Officials say 28-year-old Billy Elliott was wanted for aggravated stalking, aggravated assault on LEO, and fleeing to elude. Deputies eventually located Elliott’s abandoned vehicle but sources led them to believe that he was picked up and fled in another vehicle. The search continued most of the afternoon, until Elliott was located hiding in an abandoned mobile home on Lofty Drive around 7:00 p.m.

During the search for Elliott, deputies observed 29-year-old Terry Tuten running in the area where they located Elliott, and it was soon revealed that he had committed a burglary and stole a firearm in an unrelated incident. Because Tuten was in possession of a stolen phone, deputies were able to pinpoint his location and arrest him without further incident. Tuten is charged with armed burglary, grand theft, resisting arrest, and attempted escape.

A third suspect, 29-year-old Darren Noffsinger was arrested on charges of burglary and theft, after he was also found hiding in the same abandoned trailer. And a fourth suspect, 36-year-old Edward Paul was arrested after he called 911 and threated to shoot down the Sheriff’s Office Helicopter that was searching for Elliott.

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