DeLand, FL – A 20-year-old Pierson man is now in custody for shooting a 47-year-old man in the face with a shotgun.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Samuel Martinez Gallegos at his home just after 6am Saturday, less than 7 hours after Jesus Martinez had to be airlifted to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford following the shooting at a home on West Euclid Avenue near DeLand.
The elder Martinez’s injuries aren’t life-threatening, according to VCSO spokesman Andrew Gant.
“Martinez’s son told investigators a vehicle pulled up and a masked male got out of the truck and approached the house while carrying a long gun,” Gant noted. “The son said the suspect screamed at him and struck him several times in the head with the butt of the gun. The older Martinez then came out of the house and the suspect fired at him.”
Jesus managed to return fire with a handgun and retreat with his 18-year-old son to safety as the suspect got back in the truck and drove away.
Deputies responded soon after the call for help came in at 11:48pm Friday, according to Gant.
“The investigation into this incident is active and ongoing,” Gant added.
It’s unclear at this time what Martinez Gallegos is charged with and what prompted the shooting.
VCSO has not said at this point if the suspect and the victim are related.
Volusia County Jail records show Martinez Gallegos was arrested in December 2013 for driving without a license and marijuana possession over 20 grams.
Samuel Martinez Gallegos (2013 mugshot courtesy Volusia County Jail)
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