Intruder Breaks into Florida Home, Mother Defends Kids with Gun

Over the weekend, a man allegedly entered a Florida residence, threatening a mother and her children when they refused to leave the premises. The mother, armed herself, took action in the face of danger.

According to investigators, Michael McDonald, 33, made his way into the Palm Coast home shortly after 1:50 p.m. on Sunday. He reportedly opened the garage and began banging on a window, as reported by a local news outlet.

Feeling threatened, Courtney Price conveyed to law enforcement that McDonald demanded money from her and menaced her family. Despite her warnings that she was armed, he continued to advance, leaving her no choice but to act.

“I just wanted to ensure my kids were safe,” Price stated, noting that she didn’t intend to harm him. In a panic, she grabbed the gun, revealing it was her first time handling it.

Price recalled warning McDonald, “If you don’t leave, I’ll shoot you.” However, he seemed unfazed, responding with a chilling, “I don’t care… just shoot me.”

With no other option, Price fired a shot, unintentionally hitting her own arm in the process.

McDonald fled the scene in a silver Kia SUV but was later apprehended after police located the vehicle at a nearby hospital. He was taken into custody, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Fortunately, Price and her children were unharmed during the incident.

Joseph Barile, a chief deputy with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, commented on the situation, emphasizing the importance of self-defense laws in Florida. He stressed that Price had the right to protect herself and her children from an unwanted intruder who was aggressive and refused to leave.

McDonald now faces charges of robbery with assault and has a substantial criminal history, including charges related to grand larceny and robbery.