According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a woman who had checked out of a Florida hotel made alarming statements to the staff, claiming that she was on a shooting spree directed by God due to the solar eclipse. Subsequently, she shot two drivers on Interstate 10 before being apprehended and charged with attempted murder.
Taylon Nichelle Celestine, a 22-year-old resident of Georgia, embarked on her journey on Highway 115, approximately 115 miles away from the Alabama border in the scenic Florida Panhandle. Behind the wheel of her vibrant purple Dodge Challenger, adorned with Georgia plates, she set her course towards the west.
The woman was stopped by troopers after driving approximately 16 miles. During the stop, they discovered that she was in possession of an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun. Following this, she was arrested and taken to the Holmes County jail. She now faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm.
No information was provided by the Florida Highway Patrol regarding bail or legal representation for Celestine.
Millions of people eagerly watched the total solar eclipse as it traveled across a wide area of the country, although Florida was not in the path of totality.
Experts cautioned that the rare solar eclipse could lead to an increase in fatal car crashes, although officials did not specifically warn about a surge in crime associated with the celestial event.
