Volusia deputies talk down a 74-year-old veteran who has signs of PTSD who threatened suicide by cop
By: Around noon today, deputies responded to a home on Lavender Street, City of Deltona, Florida, 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 2 through a closed garage door, in the direction of deputies and neighbors outside.
Deputies set up a perimeter and asked neighbors to stay inside while working toward a resolution.
Around 2 p.m., 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 2 counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement and 2 counts of discharging a firearm in a residence.
Thank you deputies for your patience and diligence on this call, and thanks to all neighbors for your cooperation.
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.