Staff report
NEWBERRY, Fla. – John Joseph Demko Jr., 36, was arrested Tuesday night after authorities say he fired a shotgun inside his home while under the influence of alcohol, leaving a hole in a back door.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy, Demko and his wife had reportedly been arguing throughout the day. When Demko returned home, he allegedly began drinking while making dinner. The couple later moved to different areas of the house, and investigators say Demko picked up a 12-gauge shotgun and fired toward the back door, creating a hole roughly the size of a golf ball.
Demko reportedly left the residence after the shot was fired but returned about 10 minutes after the deputy arrived and surrendered. According to the report, he told the deputy, “I shot the gun, and I’m wrong.”
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Demko allegedly said he had loaded the shotgun earlier to shoot at squirrels and acknowledged firing the weapon inside the home.
Demko faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, child neglect, and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Court records indicate he has no local criminal history. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set his bail at $25,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
