A man was arrested for breaking into a family’s home in Florida, and he ended up being shot by a mother after he threatened her and her children.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a news release that the incident took place on the afternoon of Sunday, June 14.
Authorities said that the home invader, who was identified as Michael McDonald, arrived at the home in Bunnell “uninvited and unexpected.”
“McDonald lifted open the garage door then left the garage and banged on a back window before entering through the front door,” the release said.
Once he was able to get into the home, McDonald, 33, confronted the homeowner and her two children in the foyer. After he reportedly threatened the family, investigators said that the homeowner ordered him to leave and said she would shoot him if he did not exit her home.
McDonald did not listen to her and kept advancing toward her, and she responded by firing one round and struck him in the arm.
Deputies said that after McDonald was shot, he fled the home in a silver Kia SUV.
The homeowner reported the incident and deputies set out to find McDonald. He was later located at a hospital, where he was receiving treatment for the non-life-threatening injuries he sustained in the shooting. Officials then detained him at the hospital.
The sheriff’s office also confirmed that neither the homeowner nor her children were injured during the home invasion.
“Florida is a stand your ground state, and when someone invades your home and threatens you and your family, they will likely be shot,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement shared in the press release. “I strongly support the Second Amendment, and this is proof why 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.”
Authorities said that McDonald has a criminal history, which includes past arrests for grand theft, possession of controlled substances, resisting, obstruction, possession with intent to sell, DUI and robbery with a firearm.
Following the recent home invasion, McDonald has now been charged with burglary with assault or battery. He is currently being held in custody at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility without bond. However, he may be granted bond after his arraignment hearing.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing. It’s not currently clear if McDonald has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his most recent arrest.
Authorities have asked that anyone with information about the case contact the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.
