Bunnell Woman Shoots Home Intruder Threatening Family

A Bunnell homeowner shot an intruder Sunday afternoon after he forced his way into her Big Bear Lane home and threatened her and her two children.

Michael McDonald, 33, of Palm Coast, forced open the garage door, banged on a back window and entered through the front door at 1:50 p.m. He confronted the homeowner and her children in the foyer and made threats. The woman ordered him to leave and warned she would shoot. When he continued advancing, she fired one round, striking him in the arm. McDonald fled in a silver Kia SUV.

Deputies arrested McDonald on a charge of burglary with assault. He remains held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility pending arraignment. McDonald is a former acquaintance of the homeowner.

Emergency Communications received the homeowner's call reporting the shooting. Deputies arrived within minutes and found blood evidence at the scene. They located McDonald's SUV at AdventHealth Hospital and conducted a felony stop. McDonald received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The homeowner and her children were not injured.

McDonald has prior arrests for grand theft, possession of controlled substances, resisting, obstruction, possession with intent to sell, DUI and robbery with a firearm.

Sheriff Rick Staly said: "Florida is a stand your ground state and when someone invades your home and threatens you and your family, they will likely be shot. I strongly support the 2nd amendment, and this is proof why we have the stand your ground law."

The investigation continues. Anyone with information can contact the Flagler County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.