Domestic violence suspect arrested after shooting, crash into Mount Dora synagogue
MOUNT DORA — Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Mount Dora police officers chased a domestic violence suspect from Volusia County down North Donelley Street Monday afternoon to an intersection near Ninth Avenue, where he crashed into a synagogue and was shot in a gun battle, according to LCSO Lt. John Herrell.
The 18-year-old gunman was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition. His name was not released. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office spokesman could not be reached for comment.
In other crime news: Apopka police officer arrested in Lake, accused of driving drunk while en route to work
Brain tumor at 28: Lake County community rallies to support firefighter after cancer diagnosis
In the news this week: Lake County School District earns a 'B' from the state amid COVID-19 challenges
Herrell said Volusia put out a bulletin with a description of the man’s vehicle, adding that he was believed to be in the Golden Triangle area of Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares.
The sheriff’s office helicopter spotted him near Walmart, Herrell said. He fled south on U.S. Highway 441, turned onto Limit Avenue, then Donnelly.
Herrell said he is not sure how fast the suspect was driving, but noted it was at a high rate of speed. The chase took him past the Mount Dora police station.
At one point, the man was firing his weapon at patrol cars in pursuit, Herrell said.
After the crash into the Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora, at 848 N. Donnelly, he got out of the vehicle, shot at officers again, and was wounded, Herrell said. He dropped his weapon and officers rendered first aid.
It is not known if anyone was inside the synagogue.
Details of the domestic violence shooting are also unknown at this time, though Herrell said it took place in Deltona on Sunday.
Only one law enforcement officer — a sheriff’s deputy — was injured, and then only slightly, with whiplash, Herrell said.
“I can’t speak for Mount Dora, but two deputies have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is standard procedure,” Herrell said.
Charges are still being sorted out for the suspect, too, though. Herrell speculated that he will be charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding and shooting from a vehicle.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Mount Dora shooting: Suspect arrested after crash into synagogue
