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Suspects who sparked manhunt in Taylor County now in custody

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TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — A massive manhunt has led to the arrest of a brother-sister duo connected to a shooting incident that occurred in Taylor County over the weekend.

Taylor County Deputies responded to a report of an altercation that turned violent, which involved two suspects confronting a family, then shooting at them multiple times on Saturday evening.

This incident occurred in the area of the Cow Creek Grade off US Highway 98.

Deputies say the family attempted to flee the area and reported that they were chased by a man and woman, who were in a pickup truck.

The victims stated that shots continued to be fired at them as they attempted to get away.

The family, including four children, were able to flee the area and told deputies that none of them were physically injured.

During the investigation, other deputies responding to the location discovered an abandoned vehicle in the area off US Hwy 98, that matched the description of the vehicle which the alleged suspects were in.

Due to the nature of the incident, additional agencies assisted with the manhunt, including K-9 units from Perry Police Department, Taylor and Jefferson counties.

Deputies from Wakulla County and Jefferson County also responded, along with many Florida Highway Patrol Troopers and FWC units from surrounding areas.

During the manhunt, detectives set up a perimeter after receiving information that the male suspect was armed and potentially dangerous.

Leon County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit was called in to assist with providing aerial support for the perimeter, according to TCSO.

Deputies say the manhunt resulted in the apprehension of a woman who had been tracked and located deep in the woods, running from the abandoned vehicle.

The woman fit the description provided by the victims and law enforcement identified her as Misty Dawn Carter.

TCSO says Misty Carter admitted to driving the vehicle and following the family down the highway.

She also admitted that her brother, Billy Joe Carter, Jr. was in possession of a handgun.

Misty Carter was arrested and charged with resisting without violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Deputies say after an exhaustive search that ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, Billy Joe Carter, Jr. was not located.

However, Billy Joe Carter, Jr. turned himself over to law enforcement authorities at the Taylor County Jail on Sunday evening.

He is now facing a series of charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting without violence.