Hernando County Sheriff’s officials are still trying to piece together all of the events that resulted in a four-county chase and the death of a 35-year-old deputy on July 3.

That’s why they’re asking anyone who may have seen the suspect in the case as he fled Hernando and traveled through Pasco County to come forward. At this point, Hernando officials believe the man who is accused of causing two accidents in the Brooksville area – one fatal – came straight down U.S. 41, through Land O’ Lakes, before getting on Interstate 275 at Nebraska Avenue.

The suspect continued through Hillsborough and was eventually apprehended in Pinellas County when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper spotted the suspect’s vehicle with three flat tires on 4^th Street North.

The incident began around 4 a.m. Sunday, July 3, when an officer from the Brooksville Police Department saw a car traveling the wrong way on U.S. 41 just north of the Hernando County Courthouse, a Florida Highway Patrol media release said. The officer tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver ignored the lights and siren. The gold 1991 Honda four-door car continued south in the northbound lane, running several vehicles off the road, the release said.

As the suspect fled Hernando County, he is said to have caused a minor crash involving Hernando County Sgt. Brandon Ross. Shortly after that, a fatal crash involving Deputy John Mecklenburg took place.

Mecklenburg lost control of his cruiser just south of U.S. 41 and Painter Place in Pasco County. He died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

To help piece together all the events of that morning, Hernando officials are asking residents in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas who may have seen the Honda to come forward.

“If anyone witnessed a vehicle matching the description of the 1991 Honda four-door driving recklessly, or in the wrong lane, on the morning of July 3, 2011, between the hours of 4 a.m. (and) 5:05 a.m., you are encouraged to contact the Hernando County Sheriff's
Office,” a Hernando County media alert said.

Those with information are asked to call 352-754-6830 and request to speak to Sgt. Phil Lakin or Lt. Cyrus Robinson.

Arrested was Michael James Anthony, 35, of 878 S.E. 172nd Ave. in Silver Springs. He was charged with premeditated first degree murder, fleeing to elude and reckless driving, among other counts. As of today, he was being held in the Hernando County Jail.

Mecklenburg's funeral was held Friday, July 8.