NewsWFLA News Channel 8 (Florida)August 5, 2026Hillsborough
Lakeland man arrested in DeLand after firing weapon at minor's residence
A 27-year-old Lakeland man was arrested by the Volusia Sheriff's Office after he traveled to a minor's home and discharged a firearm into the ground when denied entry. The suspect had reportedly visited the 16-year-old's home uninvited on two separate occasions.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8 (Florida)Why It Matters
This incident involves a criminal investigation into an adult's attempt to contact a minor, resulting in a public safety intervention by local law enforcement.
Key Facts
- Joseph Woodward, 27, was arrested in DeLand, Florida.
- The suspect traveled from Lakeland to meet a 16-year-old minor he met on Snapchat.
- The suspect visited the minor's home uninvited twice during the previous week.
- The suspect discharged a firearm into the ground when the minor refused to let him inside.
- The incident occurred on Friday while the minor was sleeping.
Who's Mentioned
other27“Age of the suspect.”organizationVolusia Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrest.”locationDeLand“The location where the incident occurred.”personJoseph Woodward“The suspect arrested in the incident.”otherSnapchat“Platform where the suspect and minor met”locationLakeland“The home city of the suspect.”other16“Age of the victim.”