Port Orange, Fla. – On Thursday morning, officers at the Port Orange Police Department responded to an armed intrusion that ended in a fatal shooting. According to Police Chief Manuel Marino, the woman, identified as Linda Jean Croteau, was in her 70s when she entered the lobby around 8 a.m. holding a pistol.
Sequence of events
Chief Marino reported that Croteau approached the front desk, brandished the firearm and discharged several rounds toward staff members who were working inside the lobby. After firing, she exited the building and headed toward the parking lot.
Officer Caleb Lemons, who was working across the street, witnessed the entire incident. “She walked out of the front door like a zombie,” Lemons said. He added that he saw her drop the weapon in the parking lot, sit on the curb, place her hands on her head and appear to surrender. “By the time she dropped it, there was nothing but gunshots,” Lemons recalled.
Chief Marino contradicted Lemons’ observation, stating that Croteau never released her grip on the gun. “She was still holding a firearm when she was confronted by the officers,” Marino said.
Police response and aftermath
Three officers engaged Croteau as she stood in the parking area. The officers fired, striking her and rendering her unconscious. She was immediately placed on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital for emergency care.
Hospital officials later confirmed that Croteau succumbed to her injuries. Her family, who spoke to WESH 2, said she had recently lost her husband and was struggling with grief.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has opened an investigation into the shooting, as is standard procedure for officer‑involved incidents. No officers were injured during the confrontation.
Community reaction
Port Orange residents expressed a mixture of shock and concern over the violent episode inside a public safety facility. Local faith leaders urged the community to pray for the family of the deceased and for the officers involved, emphasizing the need for compassion and healing.
Mayor John Smith, who was not present at the scene, released a brief statement affirming the city’s commitment to public safety while also calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. “Our police department acts to protect the community, and we will support any effort that ensures accountability and trust,” the mayor said.
What comes next
The FDLE investigation will review body‑camera footage, officer reports, and witness statements to determine whether the use of force was justified under Florida law. Findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the Port Orange Police Department has reminded citizens that firearms are prohibited inside municipal buildings and that any individual displaying a weapon will be met with an immediate response to protect staff and the public.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
