An off-duty Florida deputy ended a frightening incident that erupted at his front door when a man fired shots and rammed his home earlier this month.
The incident happened at around 11:30 a.m. April 14 when Derek Evan Weber, 32, allegedly crashed through the garage of a Lee County deputy's home in Port LaBelle, WBBH-TV reports. Weber also is accused of firing 16 rounds into the house with a 9mm handgun.
Along with damaging the house, the suspect also slashed tires and shattered windows on the deputy's personal car and cruiser. Officials believe Weber's rampage was targeted because the deputy's cruiser was in the driveway.
The deputy—who was off duty at the time—and his son were in the house at the time of Weber's assault. After the attack had begun, the deputy armed himself and confronted Weber, who is said to live in the deputy's neighborhood.
“He’s a hero," said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno about the deputy, according to WFTX-TV. "He saved his and his family’s lives while sitting at home on a Sunday. I’m very proud that he’s able to work and stand with us during this event, and thank god nobody was hurt."
Hendry County deputies responded to the scene, and Weber was taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree attempted premeditated murder.
No one was injured in the incident, and the deputy is on paid administrative leave.
“That’s a very traumatic incident, and we have to make sure that they’re mentally OK, and if they come back, they come back in the right mindset,” said Marceno.
