Florida Mother Defends Herself and Children During Home Invasion

A mother in Palm Coast, Florida, shot a man who allegedly forced his way into her home and threatened her and her children, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 1:50 p.m. on Big Bear Lane, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded after Courtney Price called 911 and reported she had shot a man who entered her residence.

When deputies arrived, they found blood evidence at the scene, but the man had already left in a vehicle. Investigators said Michael McDonald, 33, entered Price's home Sunday after opening the garage, banging on windows and coming through the front door. Price told deputies McDonald demanded money, threatened her family and continued advancing after she warned she was armed.

Price warned McDonald that she would shoot if he did not leave, but he continued moving toward her. "He said, 'I don't care ... shoot me,'" Price recalled. "I wasn't trying to kill anyone. I was trying to get him out to where my kids and I were safe in my house," Price said.

Chief Deputy Joseph Barile of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said the case illustrates why Florida's self-defense laws exist. "She's in her own home, and someone comes in uninvited, refuses to leave, advances toward her, is aggressive toward you and her kids, she even goes a step further, saying she's going to shoot ... and he still doesn't leave – she had a right to defend herself, and she did," Barile said.

Price and her children were not injured. McDonald fled the scene in a silver Kia SUV. Deputies later located the vehicle at AdventHealth Hospital, where they conducted a felony traffic stop and detained him. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

McDonald was charged with burglary with assault and was being held in custody. Officials said he has an extensive criminal history that includes grand theft and robbery offenses.