Authorities say a fugitive accused of killing a Monroe County man in 2012 pointed a gun at officers while they were trying to take him into custody in Florida.

Brian “Sonny” Hewson, who was charged in Monroe County with homicide for his alleged role in the murder of Stephen Lepore, was arrested Feb. 20 in Charlotte County, Florida, Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

In the early morning hours of February 20, deputies with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop near Harbor Boulevard and Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda, Florida.

During the stop, Hewson was identified as a passenger in the vehicle, the DA’s office said.

Authorities say a records check revealed multiple active felony warrants, including warrants from Florida, New York, federal authorities, and a Pennsylvania warrant for homicide in Monroe County.

When deputies tried to take Hewson in custody, he violently resisted, Mancuso said.

As officers tried to secure his arms, Hewson reached toward his waistband, took out a pistol, pointed it at deputies, and appeared to pull the trigger, according to the Facebook post. Authorities say the firearm did not discharge.

Even after being hit with deployed Taser darts, Hewson tried to rack the slide and fire the weapon again before being subdued and taken into custody, Mancuso said.

Mancuso said deputies recovered the loaded firearm, additional ammunition, suspected fentanyl, and other items from the vehicle.

According to Mancuso, Hewson is now facing multiple new felony charges in Florida, including:

• Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon

• Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer

• Resisting an Officer with Violence

• Possession of Fentanyl

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

“We are grateful to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and courageous actions,” Mancuso said in the post.

“Their professionalism under extreme pressure prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.”

Stephen Lepore of Coolbaugh Township was last seen on August 17, 2012, at approximately 8:30 a.m., leaving his home on Belvedere Road, the DA’s office said. His vehicle was found weeks later on September 6, 2012, on Brown Street in Stroudsburg Borough.

Investigators say Hewson told them to search his mother’s Wayne County yard in 2023 for Lepore’s remains.

Mancuso said the remains were positively identified as those of Lepore. Examination revealed the cause of death was a single gunshot to the back of the head, according to the Facebook post.

Investigators say another suspect worked for Hewson.

Hewson and Lepore allegedly had disagreements over money.

Mancuso said the DA’s office will pursue extradition so that Hewson can be returned to Monroe County.