A Florida mother shot an intruder in the arm Sunday afternoon after the man broke into her home and threatened her family, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began around 1:50 p.m. when emergency dispatchers received a call from a homeowner on Big Bear Lane. The woman reported that she had just shot a man who forced his way inside. Deputies arrived within minutes and found blood at the scene, but the intruder had already fled in a vehicle.
Detectives later identified the suspect as 33-year-old Michael McDonald of Palm Coast. Authorities noted that McDonald was an acquaintance of the homeowner, but his arrival at the house was entirely uninvited and unexpected.
According to investigators, McDonald first lifted open the garage door to gain access. He then left the garage, walked around the property to bang on a back window, and ultimately entered the residence through the front door.
Once inside, McDonald aggressively confronted the mother and her two children in the foyer and began making threats. The homeowner repeatedly ordered McDonald to leave the house and warned him that she was armed and would shoot. When McDonald ignored the warnings and continued advancing toward her, the mother fired a single round, striking him in the arm. McDonald then fled the neighborhood in a silver Kia SUV.
Deputies located McDonald’s SUV a short time later at AdventHealth Hospital. Units conducted a felony traffic stop, detained McDonald, and brought him into the hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The mother and her two children were not injured during the encounter.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly released a statement heavily supporting the homeowner’s actions.
“Florida is a stand your ground state and when someone invades your home and threatens you and your family, they will likely be shot,” Sheriff Staly said. “I strongly support the 2nd amendment, and this is proof why you we have the stand your ground law. This violent re-offender has not learned his lesson. Hopefully, he will now as his bad decision could have cost him his life.”
Following his release from medical care, McDonald was arrested for burglary with assault. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is currently being held without bond pending his arraignment.
According to police records, McDonald has a prior criminal history in Florida. His past arrests include charges for grand theft, robbery with a firearm, possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, DUI, resisting an officer, and obstruction.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact the non-emergency line at 386-313-4911, or to provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.
READ: Manhunt Over: California Dad Arrested In Mexico After Wife’s Murder, Abducting 5-Year-Old
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
