- April 29, 2024
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On Thursday night just after 11 p.m., Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies and uniformed detectives with FCSO’s PACE Unit responded to a residence in Palm Coast’s W-section after neighbors reported hearing screams and a gunshot.
After Master Deputy Malta and Detective Dalrymple arrived on scene, they heard another gunshot but could not determine the direction it was fired or if it was shot at them. However, they observed a female standing in the front yard of the residence holding a handgun. She was quickly disarmed and taken into custody without incident.
The residence was cleared and deputies used K9s to locate evidence used in the shooting. Deputies also checked with the surrounding neighbors to ensure there were no injuries or damage to their homes or property. The subject admitted to firing two rounds but stated she shot into the ground believing intruders had entered her home. She also claimed they had tortured her for several hours. However, after completing a thorough investigation detectives determined that no such incident had occurred, and she was likely having a mental health episode. She was detained under the Baker Act and transported to Advent Health. Criminal charges are pending.
“This was a potentially dangerous situation in which a person not in their right frame of mind begins firing a weapon outside in a residential neighborhood and then fired another shot when deputies arrived on scene,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I commend our deputies who responded with restraint and ended the situation with the subject being safely being taken into custody. I also want to thank the neighbors that reported what they heard immediately before someone was hurt. This is another example of deputies being able to resolve a situation quickly and safely with an armed individual, without injury to anyone involved. Through our extensive training deputies are able to de-escalate situations and we are very proud of our track record.”
