A 70-year-old woman walked into the Port Orange Police Department lobby Thursday morning, brandished a handgun at civilian staff, and fired at least one round before officers shot her during the confrontation. No officers or staff members suffered injuries in the incident that unfolded around 8:30 a.m., and the suspect was transported to a hospital.

Armed Woman Confronts Police Staff

Port Orange Police Chief Manuel Marino told reporters the elderly white female entered the main lobby shortly after 8 o’clock holding a handgun. She immediately engaged with civilian staff working at the front records section, brandishing her weapon in their direction. The woman remained in the lobby for several minutes before discharging a round toward the area where staff members were positioned, according to the chief’s account.

The gunshot triggered an immediate active shooter alert over police radio, bringing officers rushing to the scene. As responding officers arrived, the woman exited the front lobby while still holding her firearm. The confrontation between the armed suspect and three police officers resulted in an officer-involved shooting that ended the threat. Chief Marino confirmed all civilian employees and officers remained safe and accounted for following the incident.

Investigation Underway

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assumed control of the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard protocol for such incidents. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity as they work to notify her next of kin. The woman remained armed when officers confronted her outside the lobby, creating the situation that led to the use of deadly force by responding officers.

Police officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the Port Orange community following the shooting. The three officers involved in the confrontation escaped without injury, and the department’s civilian staff who witnessed the terrifying incident also remained physically unharmed. The motive behind the woman’s decision to enter a police department and open fire remains unclear as investigators piece together the sequence of events.

Rare Incident at Law Enforcement Facility

Attacks targeting police facilities remain relatively uncommon, though they represent a unique security challenge for law enforcement agencies. The incident highlights the vulnerability of public-facing areas in police departments, where civilian staff interact with community members seeking services. The quick response by Port Orange officers prevented potential casualties among employees who had no means of defending themselves against an armed assailant. The suspect’s age makes this case particularly unusual, as most violent confrontations with law enforcement involve significantly younger individuals.