Gunman runs to Denny's for help after shooting man
DELAND, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A man is facing an attempted murder charge after he allegedly shot another man in the abdomen on Sunday night, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office stated.
Deputies said that they responded to a shooting at a residence on Palmetto Avenue around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday. They found a man lying inside the home with a gunshot wound to his stomach. Witnesses reportedly said that he had just been shot by Jeremy Blais, who was living in a van parked outside the house.
Witnesses also reportedly said that there was no altercation or confrontation before Blais fired at the victim. The two of them were in an ongoing disagreement over Blais' living arrangements. Blais was said to be upset that the victim moved some of Blais' property onto the driveway.
Blais ran from the scene after the shooting and ended up at a nearby Denny's restaurant on Woodland Boulevard, the Sheriff's Office said. Blais saw several people outside of the Denny's and reportedly asked them for help.
The bystanders outside of Denny's pointed Blais to a DeLand Police Department patrol vehicle parked across the street. Blais then threw his handgun in a Denny's trash can and went to the officer, the Sheriff's Office stated.
The shooting victim was conscious and alert upon arrival to the scene, deputies said. He was airlifted to the Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford, where he underwent surgery.
Blais was reportedly being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail.
This story was written in Orlando, Florida.