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Man accused of murder at DeBary IHOP to make 1st appearance

DEBARY, Fla. — A man accused of murder was arrested overnight.

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Sammy McKnight Jr. is behind bars and facing a second-degree murder charge.

He was arrested after being on the run from law enforcement officers since Friday.

Investigators said McKnight shot James Shirley, 36, to death after the two men got into a fight outside of an IHOP on Dirksen Drive in DeBary..

READ: Sheriff: Suspect wanted in connection with deadly shooting at Debary IHOP arrested

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood thanked his deputies and Daytona Beach police for bringing McKnight in.

READ: Gunman at large after fight leads to shooting outside IHOP in DeBary, deputies say

Chitwood also thanked the tipster who recognized McKnight and dialed 911.

Chitwood said he plans to give the $5,000 reward to the tipster himself.

READ: Central Florida man arrested after trying to entice young girl into car, police say

McKnight will appear before a judge at 1:30 p.m.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.