Inset: Michael Phillips (Lake County Jail). Background: Home in Grand Island, Florida, where Phillips allegedly shot a woman (Google Maps).
A Florida resident is accused of shooting a woman after hurling an insult at her before heading to a card game, only to be physically confronted by her husband afterward.
Michael Phillips, 76, faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and sports noticeable injuries on his face. As detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 7 p.m. on Saturday to a shooting incident at a home on Sand Road in Grand Island, located approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered the woman with a gunshot wound to her forearm and the alleged shooter, Phillips, with facial injuries. Witnesses stated that the woman and her husband were tending to their dog when Phillips approached, inquiring if he could enter the home to join a card game.
While heading inside, Phillips allegedly turned to the woman and insulted her with a vulgar term before drawing a firearm and shooting her. Observers recounted that the woman’s husband immediately intervened, physically assaulting Phillips, who was disarmed, and his weapon secured on a nearby table.
The woman reported to authorities that Phillips initially warned others not to trust her, prompting her to question his accusation, which led to the derogatory comment. After being read his rights, Phillips admitted to brandishing the gun, claiming it discharged when someone grabbed him, striking the woman.
After receiving his Miranda warnings, Phillips admitted to pulling out a gun, the affidavit says. He claimed someone grabbed him and the gun went off, hitting the victim.
“When asked why he pulled out the firearm he advised he had questions and believed that was the only way he would get answers along with that he believed that was legal,” cops wrote.
Phillips was arrested and taken to the Lake County Jail where he is being held on a $25,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 10.
