A 76-year-old Florida man is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting a woman who had invited him to play cards last Saturday.
Michael Phillips, 76, was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office following the October 11 incident at a residence on Sand Road in Grand Island. He has been formally charged in the Felony Division of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.
Incident Details and Alleged Attack
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Detective M. Norcross, deputies responded to a shooting around 7:12 p.m.
The victim, identified as Denise Rosa, had reportedly invited Phillips to join a card game in the home’s carport. As she entered, witnesses said Phillips turned toward her, allegedly called her a derogatory name, then pulled a revolver from his pocket and shot her in the left forearm.
Both Rosa and Phillips were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center—Rosa for the gunshot wound and Phillips for facial injuries sustained when the victim’s husband intervened.
Husband Intervenes, Subduing Suspect
Witnesses immediately called for Rosa’s husband, who ran into the carport and tackled Phillips to the ground. A brief fight broke out before the husband managed to disarm Phillips and place the firearm on a table. Detectives noted that Phillips suffered visible injuries to his face during the struggle.
When questioned, Rosa told detectives she had invited Phillips over to play cards. As she entered, she heard him speaking and asked what he meant. She said he hugged the homeowner, then allegedly called her a slur before pulling out the gun. Rosa recalled a brief struggle before the gun fired, hitting her in the arm.
Phillips’ Statement to Law Enforcement
After being read his Miranda Rights, Phillips agreed to speak with detectives. He admitted visiting the residence and hugging the homeowner before pulling the gun from his pocket. He claimed someone grabbed him and the firearm discharged accidentally, striking the victim.
When asked why he pulled out the weapon, Phillips reportedly said he “had questions and believed that was the only way he would get answers,” and that he believed his actions were legal, according to the affidavit.
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