Titusville man attacked by 2 teens who vandalized his Christmas decorations, police say
Teens allegedly wreck Christmas decorations
Two teens were arrested in Titusville after police say they destroyed Christmas decorations, then tried to kill the homeowner when he confronted them. When the victim confronted one of the teens, he reportedly pulled out a gun and threatened to kill him. When the victim went back into his car, he reversed at a high rate of speed into the victim's front yard, police said. Neighbors, however, say it's just "teenagers being teenagers."
TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Two teens were arrested in Titusville after police say they destroyed Christmas decorations and then tried to kill the home's owner when he confronted them.
Vance Michael Shannon, 19, of Holiday was charged with Attempted murder, discharge of a firearm from a car, aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting a firearm into a car, and criminal mischief. A 17-year-old girl who reportedly accompanied Shannon was charged with attempted homicide and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, police said they responded to 911 calls reporting shots fired near a home on the 1500 block of Fuji Drive.
Deputies were told that Shannon allegedly vandalized the victim's Christmas decorations before leaving the home in a car. The victim found Shannon's car parked along Fuji Rd moments after the vandalism.
When the victim confronted Shannon, he reportedly pulled out a gun and threatened to kill him. When the victim went back into his car, Shannon reversed at a high rate of speed into the victim's front yard, police said. The victim then blocked Shannon's car with his car.
Deputies said the 17-year-old teen then reportedly charged at the victim with a knife, cutting his hand. Shannon also got out of the car and shot multiple times at the victim while continuing to threaten him. The duo was later located at a home in Mims, according to police.
"Where’s the world going?" asked Stephanie Zimmerman who lives on the same street as the alleged attack."It just makes you stop and think, and it really gives a meaning to why we’re all here at the season, to enjoy each other and enjoy family and not to let this stop you from doing so."
Another neighbor told FOX 35 News that he heard several gunshots.
Someone close to the victim said at one point the suspect pointed the gun directly at the man's head. Luckily, the victim only had minor injuries to his hand.
The decorations that were destroyed to start the violent encounter were large crosses made of Christmas lights on the home's roof.
"I think it’s random," Zimmerman added. "This is a very safe neighborhood, never have any problems. So, I’m just thinking it was a random act of teenagers being teenagers."
Shannon was booked into the Brevard County Jail and the teen was taken to the Brevard County Juvenile Justice Center.