Florida Man Arrested After Shooting Acquaintance Twice During House Party Altercation in DeLand
DELAND, FLORIDA — A late-night house party turned violent in DeLand when a 23-year-old man allegedly shot another guest twice after a fight broke out early Sunday morning, according to the DeLand Police Department (DPD).
Officers responded to a residence at 610 N. Kentucky Avenue around 2:58 a.m. after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.
The victim was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized.
Suspect Identified as Dawson Gregory Summers
Investigators identified the suspect as Dawson Gregory Summers, who police say was still on scene when officers arrived.
According to detectives, both Summers and the victim knew each other and had been drinking heavily during the party hosted by the homeowner.
“Throughout the evening, Summers began antagonizing the victim,” DPD said in a statement.
Witnesses told officers that the situation escalated when the victim challenged Summers to a fight, prompting Summers to retrieve a firearm from his vehicle before shooting the victim twice.
Weapon Found Hidden in Laundry Room
Detectives recovered the suspected firearm hidden inside the home’s laundry room, according to DPD.
Summers was taken into custody immediately and has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was transported to the Volusia County Jail.
“This remains an active investigation,” the department noted, urging anyone with additional information to contact DPD’s Criminal Investigation Division or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Police Encouraging Community Tips
Crimeline, a long-standing Central Florida crime prevention program, offers cash rewards up to $1,000 for tips leading to felony arrests or recovery of stolen property.
Community members can also submit information anonymously online, helping local authorities remove dangerous offenders from neighborhoods.
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