Orlando, Fla. — A burglary suspect is recovering from a gunshot wound after breaking into an off-duty deputy's home, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, deputies responded to numerous 911 calls about a man breaking into homes at the Rolling Oaks subdivision in Apopka.
According to a report, 40-year-old Steven Thayer then broke into the home of Deputy Bridget Erwin by swinging an ax into her back door.
Deputy Erwin was able to handcuff Thayer, who sustained non-life threatening injuries to his lower extremities.
“Our deputy was home with her children, she was in fear for her life and the lives of her children, and shot the suspect multiple times,” said Orange County Sheriff John Mina.
Thayer was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and armed burglary of an occupied dwelling.
He faces two more charges for a burglary that happened prior to the one involving the deputy.
Erwin has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office since May 2018.