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While the man was being read his Miranda Rights during his arrest, deputies observed him speaking with slurred speech and having bloodshot and watery eyes.
MIDDLEBURG, Fla — A Clay County man was sentenced to 11 months of probation on Friday after pleading no contest on a charge related to firing shots near the Middleburg Christmas parade in December 2023.
In addition, 44-year-old Douglas Moore will have to complete a firearm course as part of his sentence, according to a court document.
On Dec. 9, 2023, Clay County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 4100 block of County Road 218, which is located along the parade route, after hearing several gunshots fired in the area.
When they arrived, the sheriff’s office said they noticed several people yelling at Moore. The people were demanding to know why Moore shot at them, his arrest report states.
No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire, according to police.
“I was very shocked,” said Barbie Paulus, who owns a salon across the street from where the shots were heard. “I don’t know what to say other than it’s very scary we have someone playing with a gun when all the kids and people are out. And it was right across the street, so it’s very scary.”
Moore was told to get on the ground but refused, the report states, as he was then taken down by deputies.
Deputies also detained four individuals involved in the incident. Moore was ultimately arrested following witness interviews and a review of the evidence.
The sheriff’s office’s investigation revealed that Moore, a resident of a nearby property near the parade, became agitated by the activities stemming from parade attendees, and shot a pistol multiple times while entering the property where the victims were located.
While he was being read his Miranda Rights, deputies observed Moore speaking with slurred speech and had bloodshot and watery eyes, according to the report.
As a result of the investigation, Moore was charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
“I am thankful for the quick response by the deputies who ran towards the sound of gunfire to keep our community safe,” Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said in a Facebook post.
