Police Sniper Kills Man Who Fired 200 Shots In FL Community: Sheriff

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL — A man accused of shooting about 200 rounds at homes and police vehicles in several hours Thanksgiving morning was killed by a sniper in the 5500 block of Ocean Shore Boulevard, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities identified the man as Joseph DiFusco.

The sheriff's office first alerted the public to the matter around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, when residents were asked to stay away from the scene.

DiFusco shot from inside his condominium, prompting evacuations of his neighbors and the rerouting of traffic in the Ormond-by-the-Sea area, authorities said.

At some point during police response, authorities said a Volusia County sniper shot and killed DiFusco. No one else was injured in the shooting, authorities said.

Authorities said photos they shared on Facebook depicted damaged structures sustained by DiFusco's bullets.

"On behalf of (Volusia County) Sheriff (Mike) Chitwood, we would like to thank everyone for their cooperation, patience and prayers during this potentially dangerous incident," authorities said in a news release.

Chitwood told media that DiFusco was the only person in the condominium at the time. According to a News4Jax report, Chitwood said DiFusco's family fled to the Palm Coast area out of fear of him.

Deputies had first arrived around 4:30 a.m. after being notified a person was "having suicidal thoughts and wanting some help," News4Jax reported, citing Chitwood.

“We were out there three times in the last four days. I think we were out there for a well-being check, they were out there to serve the ex-parte order that had not been signed, and then we were out there for the medical issue earlier this morning, and obviously right there when (he) started firing shots,” Chitwood said, per the report.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.