LAKE COUNTY, FLA. – Sheriff’s deputies shot and wounded a domestic violence suspect Tuesday night when the man aimed a rifle equipped with a laser sight at them, the Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
The man’s wife called for deputies to come to her home at 8:10 p.m. at 31801 Division St., near DeLand.
The man, who was identified as Harold M. Hughes, 62, was taken to HCA Lake Monroe hospital. He remained in the hospital today.
The woman, who met deputies down the street, said her husband was intoxicated and threw a hot coffee pot at her.
Deputies went to the house but he would not come out. Finally, when he did emerge, he came out with the rifle.
“Deputies gave verbal commands to Mr. Hughes to put the weapon down. Mr. Hughes ignored the repeated verbal commands where he leveled the rifle at deputies. Two deputies were forced to discharge their firearms, striking Mr. Hughes. Emergency Medical Services was summoned to the scene while deputies rendered aid,” according to a press release.
No one else was injured in the incident. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the deputies’ response, which is customary.
Charges are pending.