Update: Stabbing Suspect Captured

Update Jan. 26, 5:39 a.m.: The manhunt is over.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced late Sunday night that Michael Andrew Lease had been brought into custody. Lease was tracked down by K-9 Chief and Deputy Jacob Viano to a home at 1115 Mainsail Circle. Lease was discovered in the patio area where he was trying to make entrance to the home through the back sliding glass door.

With Lease in custody, John Chestnut Park will open at its normal time Monday.

Update Jan, 25, 9:28 p.m.: As of 9:24 p.m., the sheriff’s office advised the search for Michael Andrew Lease remained ongoing. As a result, John Chestnut Park is expected to be closed Monday morning.

Update Jan. 25, 6 p.m.: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the search is for the suspect in Friday’s stabbing in the Palm Harbor area.

Dwight Tisdale, 23, of St. Petersburg was killed in that incident.

Deputies attempted to make contact with the man wanted in connection with the stabbing Sunday afternoon. Deputies, however, say that Michael Andrew Lease, 37, fled the area on foot. He is now believed to be in the area of John Chestnut Park.

Lease was last seen wearing a green-and-brown camouflage vest. He is 6 feet tall, weighs around 200 pounds and has brown hair.

Residents are still being asked to keep their doors locked and to notify law enforcement immediately if a man matching the suspect’s description is seen.

See Also:

• Some Details Emerge in Palm Harbor Stabbing

Earlier: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a search for a suspect in the area of John Chestnut Park and East Lake.

Residents in those areas are asked to lock their doors and contact the sheriff’s office is they see anyone suspicious.

Information about what the suspect is wanted for has not yet been released, nor has a suspect description.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

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Photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office