UPDATE - SUSPECT DECEASED: Man sets Floral City home on fire and exchanges gunfire with deputies
Photos courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Citrus County, Florida - On November 3, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a residence on East Trails End Road in Floral City to conduct a well-being check on a man, now identified as 57 year-old Paul Vincent Noeller.
Noeller poured gasoline over the residence and yard and lit the gasoline on fire, setting the house on fire, then began shooting a firearm in the direction of first responders. Deputies returned fire while firefighters attempted to extinguish the fire. Noeller succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the incident.
According to Sydney Hudson, Community Relations Specialist with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, "Noeller is no stranger to the criminal justice system, having been arrested in Florida for resisting arrest without violence, battery, and trespassing, and has also been arrested in Oregon for violation of a restraining order."
"The courageous actions of CCSO and CCFR personnel are truly commendable," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "These dedicated individuals put their own lives in jeopardy to protect the community in which they serve."
The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrived on-scene to assist in this investigation. As per CCSO policy, FDLE will be investigating the officer-involved shooting.
"I cannot express how appreciative we are at the Sheriff's Office to have such great working relationships with our community and state partners," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Incidents like these challenge all of our capabilities, and knowing at a moment's notice our partners come to our aid is truly appreciated and a blessing."
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Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - At approximately 12:45 pm on Friday, November 3, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call for service at an E. Trails End Road, Floral City residence, to conduct a well-being check on a man behaving in an erratic manner.
The situation at the residence quickly escalated. The unidentified man poured gasoline from several gas cans throughout the home and yard.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies and firefighters from Citrus County Fire Rescue arrived at the home and attempted to talk to the man - who lit the gasoline, setting the home on fire. He also fired shots at deputies, who returned the gunfire.
Numerous agencies arrived on the scene of the incident, that will be investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) due to it involving gunfire by officers. More information will be provided when it becomes available, according to Sydney man, Community Relations Specialist with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
"The suspect in this incident posed a significant threat to our entire community today," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
No mention was made as to any injuries resulting from the exchange of gunfire, other than a comment by Sheriff Prendergast that made no reference to the man at the residence, "I am extremely thankful our deputies are able to go home at the end of their shift, due to their courageous quick actions and their selfless dedication to public safety," he said.