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Murder suspect killed during shootout with deputies on I-75 in Sumter County

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office says the suspect shot at deputies, who fired back.

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. -- Deputies shot and killed a Citrus County murder suspect Thursday morning on I-75 in Sumter County.

According to Citrus County deputies, Salvatore Tirone, 70, of Broward County, went to the Quality Inn, 350 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando, and shot 64-year-old Michael Quirello of Hernando.

Deputies said Tirone was jealous because Quirello was dating his ex-wife.

Quirello died at the scene.

After the shooting, a bystander grabbed his own firearm and shot at Tirone as he fled to his black Mercedes SUV. Tirone fired back before getting into the SUV and taking off.

A witness gave a description of the SUV, and deputies were able to spot it headed east on State Route 44.

The suspect, who steered clear of multiple stop sticks, drove across county lines from State Route 44 to the interstate, finally losing control near the southbound Turnpike exit.

According to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Tirone hopped out and fired at deputies, who shot back. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and the highway was shut down.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the case, which is standard protocol.

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast credited the Good Samaritan who fired at Tirone, saying he "likely saved lives today."

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