CRIME
Woman Claims God Told Her To Go On Eclipse Shooting Spree On Florida Highway
Florida Highway Patrol
A woman accused of shooting at drivers on a Florida highway allegedly told people she was directed by God due to the solar eclipse, police said.
Taylon Nichelle Celestine, 22, allegedly checked out of a hotel Monday and told staff she was going on a shooting spree, directed by ‘God’ in relation to the solar eclipse, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a statement.
Celestine allegedly entered Interstate 10 at mile marker 112 in Holmes County and traveled west, driving a purple Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates. Within five miles of entering I-10, Celestine allegedly fired multiple shots into another vehicle.
The driver was struck by glass fragments and a bullet grazed his arm, but he was able to safely pull his vehicle over to the side of the road, FHP said.
As Celestine continued traveling west, she allegedly shot at another vehicle near the 107 mile marker, striking the driver in the neck. That driver was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, FHP said.
Troopers stopped Celestine’s vehicle near the 96 mile marker and she was taken into custody. An AR-15 and a 9mm handgun were allegedly recovered from her vehicle.
Celestine was booked into the Holmes County Jail on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm.
Florida was not in the path of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse, which was viewed by millions of people across the country.
TMX contributed to this article.
