PALM COAST, Fla. — A Palm Coast man was arrested Sunday after authorities say he unlawfully entered a home, threatened a woman and her two children, and was shot by the homeowner when he refused to leave.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. on June 15, 2026, at a residence on Big Bear Lane.
Flagler Emergency Communications received a call from a homeowner reporting that she had shot a man who entered her home. Deputies arrived within minutes and discovered blood evidence at the residence, but the suspect had already fled the scene in a vehicle.
Investigators identified the suspect as 33-year-old Michael McDonald of Palm Coast, who was known to the homeowner through a prior acquaintance.
According to detectives, McDonald arrived at the residence unexpectedly and without permission. Authorities said he lifted the garage door, left the area, then began banging on a rear window before entering through the front door.
Once inside, McDonald allegedly confronted the homeowner and her two children in the foyer and made threats toward them.
The homeowner repeatedly ordered McDonald to leave and warned that she was armed, according to investigators. When McDonald allegedly continued advancing toward her, she fired a single shot, striking him in the arm.
McDonald then fled the residence in a silver Kia SUV.
A short time later, deputies located the vehicle at AdventHealth Hospital, where they conducted a felony traffic stop and detained McDonald. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being arrested.
The homeowner and her children were not injured during the incident.
McDonald was charged with Burglary with Assault and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond pending arraignment.
According to the sheriff’s office, McDonald has a criminal history that includes arrests for grand theft, possession of controlled substances, resisting an officer, obstruction, possession with intent to sell narcotics, driving under the influence, and robbery with a firearm.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the case highlights Florida’s self-defense laws and praised the homeowner’s actions in protecting her family.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.