A 13-year-old Florida girl was safely rescued after authorities say she was kidnapped by 45-year-old Jason Castillo, who had previously dated the girl’s mother. Following the reported kidnapping, police issued an AMBER Alert. License plate reader technology and a tip from a witness quickly helped investigators locate Castillo’s vehicle shortly on U.S. Highway 441 in Belleview.

According to authorities, when Castillo refused to pull over, deputies performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to force his vehicle into a roadside ditch. During the confrontation, deputies fired their weapons. Castillo was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

The young girl was rescued unharmed and reunited with her family. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the deputy-involved shooting.

Dashcam footage released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office shows the dramatic encounter that led to Castillo’s arrest attempt. 

The video shows deputies spinning the suspect’s red vehicle off the roadway before surrounding it from multiple directions. Moments later, authorities say Castillo pulled out a gun, after which deputies opened fire. 

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods lauded the police officers’ prompt action. “I want to take a moment to talk about the incredible work that led to the safe recovery of a 13-year-old girl who was abducted from her home.”

“My deputies immediately went to work and were able to have an AMBER Alert issued. Every minute counts in a case like this, and they went to work immediately to find that child before it was too late.”

“This little girl is home tonight because my deputies did their job, our License Plate Reader cameras did exactly what they’re designed to do, and one citizen took the time to make a phone call. It took all three working together to bring this little girl home. That’s the outcome we were fighting for, and I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in making it happen,” Woods added. 

Netizens in the comments section also commended the quick and decisive action taken by law enforcement to rescue the teen. 

One commentator wrote, “Glad the girl was recovered unharmed physically. If she was in the vehicle as it sustained all those rounds from MCSO Deputies I would suspect her road to healing will be a long one. Godspeed to those involved.”

Another added, “Another example of good guys with guns stopping bad guys with guns! Badge or not – stay armed, yall!”

“Thank God this girl is safe. Clearly the guy did not want to go down peacefully. Good job officers in a tough situation,” said a separate viewer. 

A fourth user added, “Thank God the outcome was the girl being safe .. the perp sadly got what he deserved , but now everyone can move on instead of it being dagged out in court and people suffering for months on end.”

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.