Ormond-By-The-Sea Faces Thanksgiving Tragedy
Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida – A dramatic standoff on Thanksgiving Day led to the death of a man involved in a shooting incident at a condominium complex. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported that the situation escalated when a member of the SWAT team shot the suspect, who had opened fire on nearby law enforcement and condo residents.
Overview of Events
The incident unfolded at the Kingston Shores condominiums, located at 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd. Authorities responded to initial calls around 4:30 AM concerning a man expressing suicidal thoughts. Within hours, the situation deteriorated as the man began firing multiple rounds.
Timeline of the Shooting
By 9:30 AM, the sheriff’s office had warned the public via social media to stay away from the area after reports of shots being fired. Despite efforts to negotiate and assist the man, who was alone in the unit, gunfire erupted. The situation escalated significantly; by 11:30 AM, he had fired approximately 200 shots, targeting other condo units and law enforcement vehicles.
The Encounter with Law Enforcement
Law enforcement attempted to reach out to the man, but their calls were met with gunfire. Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the scene, stating that the man had fired at negotiators and even shot at the SWAT vehicle. He was reportedly armed with several firearms, including a shotgun, a handgun, and a Tommy gun.
Attempts for Resolution
The sheriff’s office made several attempts to persuade the man to surrender, all of which were unsuccessful. With the circumstances becoming increasingly dangerous, officials used tear gas in a bid to safely corner him. Unfortunately, the man refused to cooperate.
Casualties and Evacuations
According to Sheriff Chitwood, no other injuries were reported during this tense standoff. However, residents in the area were evacuated for their safety, and traffic was rerouted as SWAT teams and other law enforcement units responded.
Background on the Suspect
The suspect, identified as a 1968 birth year resident who was staying in Florida, was known to have been under treatment by the VA in Connecticut. Sheriff Chitwood noted that the man’s family had relocated due to fear for their safety and was not in the condo during the shooting incident.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the shooting, law enforcement confirmed that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would lead an investigation into the incident. The shockwaves from the tragic events were felt throughout the community as residents tried to come to terms with the violence that erupted during what is typically a festive time.
Community Reactions
One neighbor, Jason Valiant, shared his disbelief as he recounted hearing the shots just minutes after gathering with family for Thanksgiving. “We were just having Thanksgiving, and then it was just big guns, big tanks,” he described, highlighting the sudden shift from a holiday celebration to a crisis response scenario.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of mental health challenges and the grave consequences when those struggles lead to violent behavior. The local community now grapples with the aftermath, seeking answers and healing in the face of a distressing holiday event.
