A tragic incident unfolded in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, where a man from Connecticut, named Joseph DiFusco, was shot and killed by a sheriff’s sniper after firing more than 200 rounds at neighboring homes and authorities. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that DiFusco was the suspect involved in the violent confrontation.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood revealed that DiFusco, a 56-year-old snowbird staying at an Airbnb, may have brought firearms from out of state to the vacation rental. Prior to the shooting, authorities responded to DiFusco’s report of suicidal thoughts but no action was taken as he declined medical transport. Hours later, the situation escalated dramatically as DiFusco began shooting at neighboring units and law enforcement officers.
Despite the intense gunfire exchange, no injuries were reported other than DiFusco’s fatal encounter with the sheriff’s sniper. It was noted that DiFusco’s family had expressed concerns for their safety to authorities before the incident, with reports indicating that they were so fearful of him that they opted to sleep in their car.
Sheriff Chitwood described the harrowing situation, mentioning that DiFusco was heavily armed and unresponsive to negotiations. The chaotic ordeal lasted over five hours, during which neighbors were evacuated from the area for their safety. Images released by the sheriff’s office depicted the exterior walls of the condo complex pockmarked with bullet holes, bearing witness to the intense shootout.
Authorities reported that DiFusco barricaded himself in his rental unit with at least three firearms. It was also disclosed that DiFusco had stopped taking medication and had not slept for days, providing possible insights into his erratic behavior leading up to the tragic events. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident to understand the circumstances that led to the violent confrontation in the quiet Florida neighborhood.