Joseph Difusco Obituary, Death; – A man who was accused of firing at police officers and into residences on Thanksgiving near Ormond Beach was fatally shot following a prolonged standoff with law enforcement.
According to the sheriff’s office, Volusia County deputies were initially dispatched around 4:30 a.m. in response to reports of a suicidal individual, but the man declined to accompany them to the hospital. Several hours later, authorities received reports of gunfire directed at a condominium complex.
“This is Ormond Beach, By-the-Sea; we typically leave our windows and doors open at night, and we have never experienced anything like this,” remarked Jason Valiant. “We heard numerous gunshots, but initially thought they might be fireworks.” Sheriff Mike Chitwood commented, “This is not something you typically witness. The damage to the facades of these buildings and the shattered windows is unprecedented.” The sheriff identified the shooter as Joseph Difusco, who was staying at an Airbnb and undergoing a mental health crisis.
“His family attempted to obtain an ex parte order against him the previous day due to their fear,” Chitwood stated on Thursday. “They were forced to sleep in their car, and there was no possibility of negotiating with him.” Chitwood noted that Difusco continued to fire upon the arrival of deputies and a SWAT team, leaving them with no alternative.
“He discharged approximately 200 rounds. Bullets penetrated residents’ homes. He aimed at our negotiators, the speaker on the truck, and even fired at the SWAT vehicle as it arrived,” he explained. At one point, Difusco retreated to a rear bedroom. “We deployed tear gas to contain him, but it was clear he had no intention of surrendering. He was armed with at least a shotgun, a handgun, and a tommy gun,” Chitwood added.
After several hours of negotiation attempts, a SWAT sniper ultimately ended the situation by fatally shooting Difusco. “My primary goal was to ensure that every deputy returned home for Thanksgiving dinner and that every resident of that complex could also enjoy their Thanksgiving meal,” Chitwood stated following the standoff.
