‘Intoxicated’ man’s target practice has neighbors running for cover, Florida cops say

A Florida family found itself cowering on the bathroom floor when bullets suddenly blasted through their walls in the middle of the day, according to investigators.

It happened just after noon on Sunday, Sept. 1, at a home on Evergreen Terrace north of DeLand, according the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. DeLand is about a 40-mile drive north from Orlando.

“The family took cover and called 911,” the sheriff’s office reported in a news release. “Deputies got on scene, evacuated the adults and children from the house, and started searching the area.”

The bullets came through the back wall, which led deputies to a 38-year-old man who lives on the street behind the family’s property, officials said.

When questioned, the “intoxicated neighbor” explained he was shooting at a tree in his backyard — and missing a lot, officials said.

The number of shots fired was not revealed, but at least four holes were found in the fence behind the tree, video shows.

No one was hit by the stray bullets, officials said.

The suspect was arrested and charged with shooting into a dwelling, using a firearm while under the influence, criminal mischief and two counts of child endangerment, officials said.

This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 7:45 AM with the headline "‘Intoxicated’ man’s target practice has neighbors running for cover, Florida cops say."