Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

ORANGE COUNTY — A person was taken into custody after allegedly shooting at a fleeing hospice nurse and pointing a rifle at law enforcement Thursday.

Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 5600 block of Rebel Road after a hospice nurse reported to 911 that while attempting to provide care to one of her patients she was confronted by an occupant of the home. The occupant followed the nurse out of the home with a rifle, and shot at her as she fled the property.  A single bullet struck the nurse’s vehicle, according to information from OCSO.

Upon arrival, Orange County Deputies established communication with the suspect who remained inside the residence with the rifle.  The suspect reportedly pointed the rifle toward the deputies while he remained in close proximity to the hospice patient.  

The deputies continued to communicate with the suspect and were able to de-escalate the situation.  The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Orange County Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  The hospice patient was transported to the hospital by EMS for treatment.

Sheriff Bobby Smith thanks the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, The Orange County Tactical Response Team, Constable Jeremiah Gunter – Pct. 2, ESD #4, and EMS for their rapid response, professionalism, and teamwork in resolving this incident.