MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — A Clay County man is facing charges after deputies say he fired a gun six times near the Middleburg Christmas Parade on Saturday.
According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 4100 block of County Road 218, which is located along the parade route, after hearing several gunshots fired from the area.
When deputies arrived, they found several people yelling at the suspect, identified as Douglas Moore, 43, who was standing at the property line. The people were demanding to know why Moore shot at them, an arrest report states.
No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire, according to deputies.
“I was very shocked. I don’t know what to say other than it’s very scary we have someone playing with a gun when all the kids and people are out, and it was right across the street, so it’s very scary," said Barbie Paulus, who owns a salon across the street from where the shots were heard.
Moore was told to get on the ground but refused, the report states. Moore was then taken down by deputies after refusing to comply.
Deputies detained four individuals involved. Moore was ultimately placed under arrest following witness interviews and a review of the evidence.
The investigation revealed that Moore, a resident of a nearby property near the incident location, became agitated by the activities stemming from parade attendees and discharged a pistol multiple times while entering the property where the victims were located.
While he was being read his Miranda Rights, deputies observed Moore speaking with slurred speech and had bloodshot and watery eyes, according to the report.
As a result of the investigation, Moore was charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
“I am thankful for the quick response by the deputies who ran towards the sound of gunfire to keep our community safe," Sheriff Michelle Cook said in the post.
Paulus is hoping the incident doesn't keep people from coming back to enjoy the parade again next year.
“We want people to come out," said Paulus. "Middleburg is family oriented. Everyone has each other’s backs around here. It is nice, so we want everyone to come out. All the kids. It’s for children, so people shouldn’t be scared to come out and participate.”
