INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 33-year-old intoxicated man is suspected of firing a shotgun at a party at his home after he became angry, causing party goers to flee, deputies said.
A sheriff’s SWAT vehicle was used to rescue a woman who fled inside the man’s home and hid, fearing for her safety. The man is described as a convicted felon with a history of violence.
Joshua Louis Plauche, of the 7800 block of 1st Street Southwest, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession or use of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or chemicals and possession of a firearm by a a convicted felon. He is being held at the Indian River County Jail without bond.
Joshua Plauche
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies went to the scene about 2 a.m. Wednesday in response to a man with a shotgun at a party outside of his south county home. Deputies learned that the man, later identified as Plauche, became angry and got a shotgun from the inside of his home.
Plauche threatened several party goers and fired the shotgun in the air, deputies said. Several people ran from the area and a woman, who also lives at the home, ran inside to hide.
Deputies made a perimeter around the home because they didn’t know Plauche’s location on the large property.
Deputies sent the sheriff’s SWAT Mine Resistant-Ambush Protected armored vehicle to the home to rescue the woman. The woman was rescued, and deputies continued to search for Plauche.
A short time later, Plauche walked out of the woods near a deputy on the perimeter and was taken into custody, deputies said. Deputies booked Plauche into the county jail.
No injuries were reported from the incident, said sheriff’s spokesman Eric Flowers.
“A very dangerous criminal was taken off the streets last night due to the excellent work of our brave men and women in patrol,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said. “Because we were able to obtain the MRAP as surplus government equipment, we were able to safely evacuate (the woman) from the home without putting our deputies in harm’s way.
We are grateful to our federal partners for continuing this program, as equipment like this saves lives.”