FLORAL CITY, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Floral City.
On Friday, Nov. 3, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) along with the Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to a home on East Trails End Road.
CCSO says once they got on the scene, they came into contact with 57-year-old Paul Vincent Noeller who was behaving erratically.
They say Noeller poured gasoline over the residence and yard and then lit it on fire.
CCSO says as the home caught on fire, Noeller also began randomly shooting in the direction of first responders.
In a release on Facebook, the sheriff’s office said, “While CCFR was attempting to extinguish the fire, Noeller became uncontrollable, forcing CCSO personnel to protect not only themselves and the community, but also the other first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line for the public’s safety. Noeller’s actions escalated exponentially, forcing CCSO personnel to engage with deadly force.
They Noeller he died at the scene.
The sheriff’s office says Noeller is no stranger to the criminal justice system, having been arrested in Florida for resisting arrest without violence, battery, and trespassing, and has also been arrested in Oregon for violation of a restraining order.
Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said, “The courageous actions of CCSO and CCFR personnel are truly commendable. These dedicated individuals put their own lives in jeopardy to protect the community in which they serve.”