Last week, Volusia County deputies responded to a home on Lavender Street in Deltona for a call about an armed suicidal subject.
The subject was determined to be a 74-year-old military veteran who has exhibited signs of PTSD and appeared to be intoxicated. He made statements about suicide by cop and fired multiple shots, including two through a closed garage door in the direction of deputies and neighbors outside, according to law enforcement.
Local deputies set up a perimeter and asked neighbors to stay inside while working toward a resolution.
After PA announcements and negotiations over the phone, Sheriff Mike Chitwood approached the subject along with two people he knew, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
The defendant is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement and two counts of discharging a firearm in a residence.
Deputies showed great patience and diligence on this call, and the Sheriff thanked all neighbors for cooperation during the incident.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
