Volusia deputy shoots man accused of trying to drown wife, officials say

Woman shows up at neighbor's door seeking help

DELTONA, Fla. – A Volusia County sheriff's deputy shot a man who refused to drop his gun early Monday after a domestic disturbance in Deltona, officials said.

Deputies arrived around 1:30 a.m. at a home on Champlain Drive after reports of a domestic dispute between a man and his wife.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the woman told deputies that her husband, identified Monday afternoon as Randel Humphreys, tried to drown her in a swimming pool. About three minutes after the first 911 call, a neighbor called 911 and said that the woman had shown up at his door, soaking wet and asking for help, the Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies tried to confront Humphreys, who they said showed up at the front door armed with a flare gun, which he used earlier to strike his 19-year-old daughter in the head.

A neighbor who was sitting on his back porch said he heard someone say, "Drop the gun," before shots were fired. 

Deputy Andrew Jenkins, 30, returned fire after Humphreys shot the flare gun, according to a news release. 

Humphreys, 48, was struck several times in the arm and leg, deputies said. He was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.

His wife was taken to a hospital for medical attention. She has since been released.

No deputies were injured.

The deputy who shot the man was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in shootings.

Humphreys is charged with attempted second-degree murder, attempted felony murder and aggravated battery.


About the Authors:

Haley is a digital content producer for ClickOrlando.com and first started as a News 6 producer in October 2014. She's a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in journalism. She specializes in theme parks and lifestyle writing.

Recommended Videos