BONIFAY, FL (352today.com) – Just as many people were about to observe the partial solar eclipse in the Sunshine State, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says a dark and dangerous crime was occurring as a woman went on a shooting spree on Interstate 10 (I-10).
Troopers say they responded to a report of an active shooter in Holmes County on Monday around 10:15 a.m. CT after receiving a report that a woman from Georgia checked out of a hotel and told the staff she was going on a shooting spree, directed by “God” in relation to the solar eclipse.
They say she left driving a purple Dodge Challenger and got on I-10 at the 112-mile marker traveling westbound.
“Within 5 miles of entering the interstate, the suspect fired multiple shots into another vehicle traveling along the interstate, striking the passing car multiple times,” said FHP in a news release. “The driver was struck by glass fragments from the window and grazed on the arm by a bullet; however, he was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, away from the suspect.”
Troopers say the woman continued westbound on I-10 and shot at another vehicle near the 107-mile marker, hitting the driver in the neck.
FHP says about 15 minutes after receiving the initial call, troopers conducted a felony traffic stop and took the woman into custody near the 96-mile marker.
The suspect is identified as 22-year-old Taylon Nichelle Celestine. They booked her into the Holmes County jail on the following charges:
- Attempted Murder
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Improper Discharge of Firearm
Troopers say they recovered an AR-15 and a 9mm handgun from the car.
“Miraculously the condition of both drivers who were shot are good,” said Lt. Jason King, public affairs officer for FHP Troop A.