ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. – A tense standoff between law enforcement and an armed veteran in Ormond-By-The-Sea ended tragically on Thanksgiving when the suspect was fatally shot by a sniper, as confirmed by Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County.
The deceased individual was identified as Joseph DiFusco, a 56-year-old man from Connecticut who was staying in an Airbnb in the area. Reports indicate that DiFusco, a convicted felon with firearms offenses in his home state, brought a cache of weapons and ammunition with him from out-of-state.
The situation unfolded at the Kingston Shores Condominiums early Thursday morning when DiFusco allegedly opened fire on a deputy’s vehicle from inside his unit. He then proceeded to target neighboring residences, prompting evacuations and road closures in the vicinity.
Deputies attempted to establish communication with DiFusco throughout the morning, eventually resorting to deploying tear gas into his unit. Despite initial attempts at negotiation, the suspect continued to fire at law enforcement personnel, leading to the decisive intervention by a police sniper.
Chitwood revealed that DiFusco’s family had expressed deep concerns for their safety, with fears so profound that they had relocated to another town ahead of the incident. The deceased individual, a veteran receiving treatment at a Connecticut hospital, had reportedly stopped taking his medication and exhibited signs of distress.
The sheriff described the harrowing situation as volatile, with DiFusco showing no willingness to engage in negotiation or surrender. The swift and deadly conclusion to the standoff raised questions about the handling of the incident and the individual’s history of mental health challenges.
As the investigation moves forward, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will take charge of examining the circumstances leading up to the fatal confrontation. The tragic events in Ormond-By-The-Sea serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks involved in managing individuals in crisis.