Floral City man arrested after domestic violence incident and 2-hour standoff with deputies
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Floral City, Florida - On Tuesday night, May 16, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies were dispatched to a home in Floral City in response to a physical domestic disturbance. The suspect, later identified as 46 year-old Theron Ashley Dunn, had allegedly threatened the victim several times and hit the victim with a firearm.
When deputies approached Duun at the residence, to speak with him, they heard him shouting just before he fired several gunshots from the yard. Deputies escorted the victim off the property, safe from harm, and Dunn then left the yard and took shelter inside of a barn on his property.
Numerous times, deputies unsuccessfully attempted to communicate with Dunn by way of phone calls and a Public Address (PA) system, so the CCSO's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team responded to Dunn's residence, along with the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), the Aviation Unit, and additional patrol deputies. After several hours, the CNT persuaded Dunn to exit the barn and surrender, and he was taken into custody.
Deputies removed six handguns, three rifles, a bulletproof vest, and an assortment of ammunition from Dunn's possess. Animal Control Officers later responded to the scene due to two severely emaciated dogs found at the residence.
Dunn was charged with one count of domestic aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of domestic aggravated battery with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, and two counts of felony animal cruelty and neglect.
"I am saddened to see yet another incident of domestic violence within our community," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "I am proud that our team was able to safely and quickly remove the victim from the premises, and that C.N.T. could carefully de-escalate this situation, while taking Dunn into custody without further incident. I want to remind our citizens that you are not alone - if you or someone you know is living in an abusive relationship, please seek help. Our team is here to assist you at all times."
About the Citrus County Sheriff's Office's Crisis Negotiation Team
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responds to incidents involving barricaded persons, hostage situations, and other critical incidents. The mission of CNT is to respond to these critical situations in order to negotiate a safe and reasonable conclusion. Team members perform this function in addition to their regular duty assignments. "Resolution through communication" is their motto.