DeLAND, Fla. – A Volusia County man was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of shooting at three teens because they were riding ATVs near his home.
Paul Smith, 50, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the teens -- one 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds -- were riding down Ridge Boulevard around 11 p.m. and passed by Smith's home. Smith, who was wearing camouflage pants and a black shirt, pointed a gun at the boys and fired one shot without warning, deputies said.
Local 6 spoke to one of the victims, 16-year-old David Vales, who said he could have been killed.
"We did nothing to him, we just drove past his house on the road," he said. "I just hit the throttle and hauled butt."
No one was injured, and the teens drove to a friend's house to report the incident, deputies said.
The teens told deputies that in the past, Smith became irritated with them for riding by his home, but he had only yelled and cursed at them.
Deputies interviewed Smith at his Lake Ruby Road home, which abuts Ridge Boulevard, and he initially said he was asleep during that time period. He later said he yelled at the teens but changed his story again, saying that he pointed his finger at the boys and a firecracker went off nearby at the same time, according to deputies.
Smith was arrested and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach.
Records show Smith has a criminal history dating back to 1987 including sexual battery on a minor, battery on a elderly person, and more.