DEBARY, FL – A DeBary resident has been taken into custody in connection with a Friday evening shooting that resulted in another man’s injury.
The incident unfolded at 9 Cunningham Road, shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday, prompting a swift response from local deputies. The alleged shooter, identified as 69-year-old John Baker, informed law enforcement that he had discharged a shotgun, striking the victim in the leg.
Upon arriving at the scene, a deputy discovered a 45-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to his ankle, situated at the road’s end, and promptly administered first aid using a tourniquet. Subsequently, the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, where medical personnel assessed his injuries as non-life-threatening.
According to statements from the victim, who resides not far from the incident location, he had been searching the area for his repeatedly stolen bicycle. During his search, he stumbled upon a dirt path that led him to an RV at 9 Cunningham Road, where John Baker emerged with a shotgun.
The victim claimed that Baker accused him of vandalism or burglary and gave chase, prompting him to flee in fear.
However, Baker’s own statement to the deputies differed. He asserted that he shot the victim because he believed the victim was attempting to break into his RV. Subsequent investigation by law enforcement revealed that the shotgun shell was located approximately 150 yards from the RV, and there were no indications of an attempted break-in or recent damage to the RV.
Following a comprehensive inquiry, John Baker was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was subsequently booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail overnight.