ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. — A gunman who fired over 200 rounds at neighboring residences and law enforcement was fatally shot by a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) sniper on Wednesday morning, ending an hours-long standoff that left no other injuries, according to officials.
The incident began at the Kingston Shores condominiums at 5500 Ocean Shore Boulevard, where deputies responded to reports of a man, later identified as Joseph DiFusco, shooting from inside his condo. Authorities evacuated nearby residents and rerouted traffic as the situation escalated.
DiFusco fired repeatedly at neighboring units and a VSO vehicle, prompting deputies to maintain a secure perimeter while attempting to de-escalate. Despite efforts to negotiate, the gunman continued shooting, leading to the deployment of the sheriff’s office sniper, who ultimately neutralized the threat.
Photos released by the VSO showed extensive damage to surrounding units caused by DiFusco’s gunfire. Sheriff Mike Chitwood thanked the community for its cooperation during what he described as a “potentially dangerous” situation.
“No deputies or other parties were injured,” the sheriff’s office confirmed in a statement, adding that a comprehensive update would follow.
Gunfire patterns seemed highly erratic and off-mark. Fortunately, no innocent bystanders were injured by the suspect’s poor marksmanship skills.