Around 10:20 PM on Monday, DeFuniak Springs Police responded to possible gunshots heard in the area of Woodward Avenue and Michigan Street. The caller advised that several shots and the sound of a vehicle speeding away were heard. Officers arrived and checked the area with no indications of shots or anyone injured. Bystanders in the area did not advise Officers that a shooting had even occurred.
Approximately twenty minutes later, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to Healthmark Regional Medical Center in reference to a man with gunshot wounds. The victim was evasive with questioning by the hospital. Deputies arrived and were able to ascertain that the shooting occurred on Woodward Avenue. Deputies and Officers responded and were able to locate a residence with a trail of blood on the porch. They eventually located 7 spent shell casings from a .22 caliber gun that were found in succession along Woodward Avenue.
Investigators spoke to neighbors and a few witnesses that described the events. Accounts included that a minivan was observed driving down Woodward Avenue with a black male in the passenger’s seat. The unidentified suspect opened fire at 47 year old Patrick Mintz of DeFuniak Springs, striking him in the leg and shoulder. The driver and suspect then fled in the vehicle toward Bruce Avenue.
Witnesses standing near the scene admitted hearing “firecrackers,” but did not know that anyone had been shot. Mintz was driven by his girlfriend to Healthmark Regional Medical Center and was stabilized. He was later transferred to Ft. Walton Beach Medical Center.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this shooting are asked to contact Detective Chuck White at 850-892-8513. Callers may also remain anonymous by contacting the TIPS line at 850-910-8477 (TIPS).