BUNNELL, FL – A Bunnell mother shot an intruder on Sunday afternoon after the man broke into her residence and threatened her and her two children.
The Break-In
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, June 14. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), 33-year-old Michael McDonald arrived at the home “uninvited and unexpected.”
Investigators stated that McDonald lifted open the garage door, walked around the property to bang on a back window, and eventually forced his way inside through the front door.
The Confrontation
Once inside, McDonald confronted the mother and her two children in the foyer. After he allegedly made threats against the family, the homeowner ordered him to leave and warned him that she would shoot.
When McDonald ignored the warnings and continued to advance toward her, the mother fired one round, striking him in the arm.
McDonald immediately fled the scene in a silver Kia SUV. Fortunately, neither the homeowner nor her children were injured during the home invasion.
Arrest and Criminal History
Deputies located McDonald a short time later at a local hospital, where he was receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. He was immediately detained by officials.
FCSO confirmed that McDonald is a violent re-offender with a lengthy criminal history in Florida, including prior arrests for:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Grand theft
- DUI and resisting/obstruction
- Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell
Current Charges
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly strongly defended the mother’s actions under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, noting that the suspect’s bad decisions could have easily cost him his life.
McDonald has been charged with burglary with assault or battery. He is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility pending his arraignment hearing. The investigation remains ongoing.
