Deputies: DeBary father shot son after son's threats

Father shot adult son in self-defense, deputies say

DeBARY, Fla. – A DeBary father shot his son early Monday morning in self defense, after the son assaulted both his father and his mother after an argument, according to deputies.

According to Volusia County Sheriff's office, the father and son got into an argument that led 36-year-old Joshua Smith, to hit his father, Dennis Smith, 61.

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Joshua Smith also threw the mother to the ground during the fight, according to a news release. When the father went to get his rifle, the son threatened him with a kitchen knife, which led Dennis Smith to fire shots.

Deputies say the father did not shoot to strike his son, but did hit him in the arm. The mother then called 911 and all three family members were taken to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City.

Dennis Smith does not face charges since he shot in self defense, according to deputies.

Joshua Smith faces charges of battery, aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated battery. In addition to Monday's charges, he was arrested on assault and battery charges that had been filed on Saturday following another altercation at the DeBary home with his father.

The son will be taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach when he is released from the hospital, deputies said.


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