Attempted murder suspect on run in Hernando

BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando deputies are trying to locate a 29-year-old Brooksville man wanted on charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and stealing a car.

Gary Wayne Sharp, of 9236 Jayson Dr. in Brooksville, is possibly driving the victim's stolen car, a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer with Florida tags I080EI.

Authorities said Sharp and Gary Wayne Abbate, 26, beat and robbed a 49-year-old Brooksville woman at 3:30 p.m. Friday. The victim walked to a neighbor's house for help and was airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, reports state. Her condition is unknown.

Deputies believe that the victim knew the alleged assailants, who fled in her car. Abbate, also of Brooksville, was arrested and booked into the Hernando County jail at 6:16 a.m. today. He is being held in lieu of bond.

--John Frank, Times staff writer