Intruder shot after forcing his way into DeLand home, police say

Intruder arrested, shot entering DeLand home

An intruder who entered who allegedly forced his way into a DeLand home, carrying a gun, was shot at several times by the homeowner. Now, the DeLand Police Department says the shooter was not charged, but intruder has several pending charges.

DELAND, Fla. - A man who forced his way into a DeLand home on Monday was shot by the homeowner, police said. 

Volusia County body camera footage shows a wounded home invasion suspect in the woods in DeLand on Dec. 1, 2025. 

What we know:

According to police, a man knocked on the back door of a residence in the 100 block of Voorhis Street. 

A woman inside the home opened the door, thinking it was a delivery, police said. 

The man forced his way into the home while brandishing a gun, according to police. 

Another man inside the home, confirmed as the woman's ex-husband, grabbed a gun and told the intruder multiple times to drop his weapon, police said. When the intruder refused, the homeowner shot the intruder in the chest, according to authorities. The homeowner was not charged with any crime. 

Volusia County body camera footage shows a wounded home invasion suspect in the woods in DeLand on Dec. 1, 2025. 

The intruder fled the home after being shot. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the suspect with a gunshot wound in a wooded area a few blocks away. He was airlifted to a hospital.

The suspect has multiple pending charges while he's in the hospital, including armed burglary, aggravated assault with a firearm and destruction of evidence. He is receiving medical treatment for his injuries, the sheriff's office said. Deputies believe the intruder dumped the gun somewhere, FOX 35's Chris Lindsay reported. 

Police said based on preliminary information, the intruder is believed to have had a prior relationship with the woman in the home. The woman told police the suspect had been stalking her. 

"Unfortunately, for the invader, you have a right to protect your home. You have a right to protect your life," DeLand Police's Captain Prurince Dice said Dec. 1. 

The shooting remains under investigation, but police believe it was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. 

What we don't know:

Detectives are working to confirm all the details, including the possible history between the intruder and the people inside the home, the department said.