EDGEWATER, Florida – The Edgewater Police Department arrested a man Sunday evening following a shooting that occurred during a residential burglary on East Yelkca Terrace in Edgewater, FL.
On March 15, 2026, just after 6:00 p.m., officers responded to a residence at 104 East Yelkca Terrace after receiving a report of a man who had been shot. Before officers arrived, the victim’s girlfriend transported him to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
When officers arrived at the home, they located Christopher Ryan Merritt, a 41-year-old man from Leesburg, FL, inside the residence. Investigators determined Merritt is the estranged uncle of the victim’s girlfriend and does not live at the home or maintain an active relationship with the occupants.
According to investigators, the victim arrived home shortly before the shooting and noticed Merritt’s vehicle parked in the driveway. The victim knew Merritt had unlawfully entered the residence. The victim first attempted to enter through the front door, but it was locked and could not be opened. He then moved to a window and attempted to make contact with Merritt inside the home.
While inside the residence, Merritt armed himself with a shotgun belonging to the homeowners and fired through the window, striking the victim in the right arm and causing a severe injury. Authorities said the victim remains in stable condition.
Officers ordered Merritt to exit the residence multiple times, but he refused to comply. Officers then forced entry through a window, deployed a Taser, and took Merritt into custody without further incident.
Merritt was transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail.
Christopher Ryan Merritt faces charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery, and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.
The Edgewater Police Department thanked the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, New Smyrna Beach Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit for assisting with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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