Authorities report that a suspected shooter, who unleashed over 200 rounds at condominium units in Florida, was fatally struck by a sniper’s bullet, according to the sheriff.
A man from Connecticut lost his life after being targeted by a sniper from a Florida sheriff’s department, following an incident where he reportedly discharged over 200 rounds at nearby residences and law enforcement for several hours on Thursday.
The individual, named Joseph DiFusco, was shot and killed by a sniper from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, with no other individuals reported injured, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, DiFusco, 56, was a snowbird who may have transported firearms from another state while staying at an Airbnb, as reported by the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Authorities arrived at the Kingston Shores condominiums close to Ormond-by-the-Sea around 4 a.m. following a report from DiFusco about suicidal thoughts, although he chose not to receive medical transport, according to FOX Orlando. Authorities returned to the scene two hours later as DiFusco reportedly opened fire on nearby residences and at the officers who were responding.
“Probably fired over 200 rounds,” Chitwood said. “[You could] hear bullets whizzing over our heads, and we were 100 yards back.”
Chitwood mentioned that deputies had made three prior visits to the condominium complex, according to the report from the news station.
“He was not going to negotiate,” he told the news station. “Every time we would try to negotiate, he would fire on us. [He] turned off his phone. He was armed to the teeth.”
Residents were relocated from the vicinity. Chitwood reported that DiFusco’s family contacted law enforcement prior to the event, expressing concerns for their safety.
“They were so scared of him, they were sleeping in a car,” he said.
He observed that DiFusco had allegedly stopped taking his medication and had gone without sleep for several days.
Photos shared by the sheriff’s office depict the exterior of the building marked with numerous bullet holes. The situation unfolded over a span exceeding five hours.
DiFusco took refuge in his rental unit, reportedly armed with a minimum of three firearms, according to officials.