FLORAL CITY, Fla. — The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says there is no longer a threat to the community after a 57-year-old man lit a house on fire and shot at responding deputies Friday afternoon in Floral City.
Deputies first responded around 12:45 p.m. to a home on E. Trails End Road to perform a well-being check on Paul Vincent Noeller who was reportedly acting erratically.
They arrived to find "the situation had escalated quickly" as the man had poured multiple cans of gasoline over the home and yard, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies, along with Citrus County Fire Rescue, said they attempted to talk to the man, but he began to set the home on fire.
That's when, according to the sheriff's office, the man began to shoot at deputies who fired back.
"The courageous actions of CCSO and CCFR personnel are truly commendable." Sheriff Mike Prendergast said in an update. "These dedicated individuals put their own lives in jeopardy to protect the community in which they serve."
The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrived on-scene to assist in this investigation. As per CCSO policy, FDLE will be investigating the officer-involved shooting.
"I cannot express how appreciative we are at the Sheriff's Office to have such great working relationships with our community and state partners," Prendergast said. "Incidents like these challenge all of our capabilities, and knowing at a moment's notice our partners come to our aid is truly appreciated and a blessing."