A 22-year-old Georgian native, Taylon Nichelle Celestine, in Florida on Monday claimed she went on a shooting spree after being told to do so by God because of the total solar eclipse.
The Florida Highway Patrol announced in a news release that the active shooter situation began on Monday, as she entered Florida’s Interstate 10 at the 112-mile marker driving a purple Challenger.
Celestine allegedly began firing multiple shots into another vehicle within 5 miles of entering the interstate after telling hotel staff she was going on a shooting spree directed by God about the solar eclipse.
The statement reads, “Florida Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a report of an active shooter in Holmes County. The suspect was reportedly a female who had recently checked out of a local hotel and told the staff she was going on a shooting spree directed by “God” about the solar eclipse.
“The suspect, driving a purple Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates, entered Interstate 10 (I-10) at the 112-mile marker and traveled westbound.
Within 5 miles of entering the interstate, the suspect fired multiple shots into another vehicle traveling along the interstate, striking the passing car numerous times.
“After the driver was able to get away by steering onto the shoulder of the road, Celestine allegedly began shooting at another vehicle near the 107-mile marker, hitting the driver in the neck.”
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, authorities became aware of the shooting spree after reports of someone “shooting into other vehicles” were made to Washington County Communications.
The officers arrived on the scene, and Celestine was taken into custody.
The Florida Highway Patrol stated that an AR-15 and a 9mm handgun were recovered from Celestine’s vehicle, and she is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm.
The incident remains under ongoing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence.
