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FHP: Woman says she was 'directed by God' to shoot at random cars on Florida highway

The woman told people she was “directed by God” to go on a shooting spree in relation to Monday’s solar eclipse, FHP said.
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Taylon Nichelle Celestine, 22, allegedly shot at random cars on a Florida Panhandle Interstate after God told her to do so, authorities say.

BONIFAY, Fla. — A woman accused of shooting at random cars she saw on Interstate 10 has been arrested Monday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said they received a call about an active shooter on I-10 in Holmes County located on the northern tip of the Florida Panhandle.

The active shooter, later identified as 22-year-old Taylon Celestine from Georgia, told hotel staff she was checking out and that she wanted to go on a “shooting spree," according to FHP.

She allegedly told them God was telling her to do it in relation to Monday afternoon’s solar eclipse.

The woman then hopped on I-10 headed westbound near Bonifay in her purple Dodge Challenger and randomly started firing into a car traveling along the interstate, striking it multiple times, troopers said.

The driver was hit by fragments of glass and grazed by a bullet as he steered the car into the shoulder of the road to evade the gunfire.

Celestine then allegedly shot at another car miles later — this time striking the driver in the neck. They were taken to a nearby hospital where they continue to receive treatment.

Troopers eventually caught up to Celestine, pulling her over and taking her into custody. They said they found an AR-15 and a 9-millimeter handgun in her car after her arrest.

Celestine faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and improper discharge of a firearm.

FHP continues to investigate the shooting. Further details will be released when they become available.

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