A Lake County man is facing charges after deputies say he shot a woman in the arm following a heated confrontation at her home, where he had been invited to play cards. According to an official affidavit, the altercation escalated after 76-year-old Michael Phillips allegedly insulted the woman, resulting in a violent response from her husband.
Deputies arrived on Sand Road in unincorporated Lake County just after 7 p.m. following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, they found both Phillips and the woman injured. The woman was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for a gunshot wound to her forearm, while Phillips was transported for facial injuries sustained during a fight with the woman’s husband.
The incident began when Phillips arrived at the home, claiming that the woman had invited him over for a card game. Witnesses confirmed Phillips was allowed into the carport area before tensions flared. According to the arrest report, Phillips reportedly turned to the woman, called her the “c-word,” then pulled a gun from his pocket and shot her in the arm.
Witnesses immediately contacted the woman’s husband, who rushed outside, tackled Phillips to the ground, and proceeded to beat him. Deputies found Phillips on the ground, injured and subdued by the woman’s husband. The motive behind Phillips’ actions remains unclear.
When questioned by detectives, Phillips reportedly stated, “he had questions and believed that was the only way he would get answers.” Despite having prior acquaintance with the residents, Phillips’ behavior quickly turned violent when he allegedly insulted the woman before drawing a weapon and shooting her.
The gun used in the shooting was later collected by deputies as evidence. Phillips is now facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and the case is currently under review by the State Attorney’s Office.