Shocking: Family’s Narrow Escape as Stray Bullet Strikes Bedroom in Volusia

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – On New Year’s Eve, a family experienced a rude awakening when gunfire erupted, hitting their residence, as reported by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

The unsettling event took place at a home located in Daytona Park Estates, near DeLand, as detailed in a statement from deputies.

“While a family of four was fast asleep around midnight, they were jolted awake by numerous gunshots originating from a nearby property,” the statement explained. “The gunfire caused pieces of drywall to scatter throughout the bedroom.”

Investigators have revealed that a bullet was discovered beneath the pillow where a woman lay sleeping, alongside five bullet holes that punctured the home’s exterior.

On Thursday, law enforcement revealed they had detained 21-year-old Axel Gomez, a nearby resident who confessed to discharging rounds into the ground. He faces charges of shooting into an occupied building.

Additionally, authorities have implicated two others, Amy Gomez, 25, and Ken Newbold, 25, in the gunfire that took place during the New Year’s Eve festivities.

They face charges of recklessly discharging a firearm in a residential area.

The family of four, who asked not to be identified, says they were asleep just minutes into the New Year when they were jolted awake by loud gunfire outside their bedroom. A mother and father say it was a terrifying moment, especially with their two kids in the house.

“I saw the bullet right next to my pillow, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, a bullet just came through the house,’” she aid.

She recalled feeling the heat from a round that entered the home.

“It was hot — very hot,” they said.

The family initially thought they were hearing fireworks mixed with gunshots. Moments later, the walls began to vibrate as bullets tore through the structure.

The family says investigators told them that at least five bullets entered the home and did not exit, likely lodging in the foundation.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the shots were fired as part of celebratory gunfire. An arrest report also notes deputies recovered at least 30 shell casings from the area.

The incident has left the family deeply shaken and struggling to feel safe in their own home.

“We haven’t been back in the bedroom,” He goes on to say, “I’ve been trying to sleep for 36 hours and just can’t.”

The parents say they are especially thankful their two young children — ages seven and four — were not hurt.

“It was scary because he didn’t know what was going on,” she said.

The family hopes the raises awareness when it comes to the dangers of using gunfire for celebratory reasons.

One detail continues to haunt them: their youngest child usually sleeps against the wall where a bullet entered the home.

“By the grace of God, he fell asleep in his own bed that night,” she said. “He normally sleeps against that wall.”

Now, a visible bullet hole in their home serves as a reminder of how close the situation came to turning tragic.