The Florida Highway Patrol has said that a 22-year-old woman from Georgia embarked on a shooting spree and claimed it was divinely inspired by the solar eclipse.
Traveling west on Interstate 10 after checking out of a Florida hotel, Taylon Nichelle Celestine fired shots at two vehicles, injuring both drivers, according to the police. Both survived the gun attack.
Troopers discovered an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun after they stopped her vehicle. The woman was arrested and charged with attempted murder on Monday.
Celestine began her journey on a Florida highway, approximately 115 miles from the Alabama border, the police said. Driving a purple Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates, Celestine reportedly opened fire on two passing vehicles within a span of 5 miles, according to CBS News.
In the first incident, she shot at the car, causing damage to the auto glass and lightly grazing the driver’s arm, the police said. She subsequently targeted the second vehicle, striking the driver in the neck, resulting in injury, the police added. The injured driver received treatment at a hospital and was later discharged, according to a police statement.
Celestine was arrested and booked into the Holmes County jail. She was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and improper discharge of a firearm, CBS reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol did not disclose information regarding bail or legal representation for Celestine.
Although Florida was not within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse, millions across the nation observed the celestial event. While officials did not anticipate a rise in crime during the eclipse, experts warned of a potential increase in fatal car accidents.
Researchers highlighted a significant but temporary surge in deadly car crashes during the previous total solar eclipse in 2017. However, it remains unclear whether any fatal crashes were linked to the eclipse on Monday.
