A Georgia woman, Taylon Nichelle Celestine, allegedly wounded two drivers on a Florida interstate and claimed that she was directed to carry out the shootings by God in relation to the solar eclipse. Celestine was stopped on Interstate 10 near mile marker 96 after the shootings and was arrested and booked on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and improper discharge of a firearm. An AR-15 rifle and a 9 mm handgun were recovered in the Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates that Celestine was driving. It was not clear if Celestine had secured a lawyer to comment on her behalf.
The incident occurred near Bonifay, about 50 miles north of Panama City. Celestine had reportedly made comments at a local hotel about going on a shooting spree directed by ‘God’ in relation to the solar eclipse before entering the interstate near mile marker 112 and driving westbound. Within five miles of entering the interstate, Celestine allegedly fired a weapon and struck another vehicle multiple times, causing the driver to be grazed by a bullet on the arm. The driver was able to steer his vehicle away from the suspect onto the shoulder of the road.
As Celestine continued westbound, she shot at another vehicle near mile marker 107, striking the driver in the neck. The driver survived and was being treated at a hospital for their injuries. Celestine was apprehended by authorities shortly after the second shooting incident and taken into custody. The motive behind the shootings and Celestine’s claims of being directed by God in relation to the solar eclipse remain unclear. The investigation into the shootings is ongoing, and it is unknown if Celestine has a lawyer representing her in the case.
The shootings on the Florida interstate involving Taylon Nichelle Celestine have raised concerns about the safety of drivers on the road and the potential for violent incidents to occur unexpectedly. Authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shootings and to ensure that Celestine is held accountable for her actions. The recovery of the weapons used in the shootings highlights the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent individuals like Celestine from causing harm to others.
The victims of the shootings on Interstate 10, who were wounded by Celestine, are recovering from their injuries and receiving medical treatment for the harm caused by the violent acts. The impact of the shootings on the victims and their families is significant, and they will need ongoing support and assistance as they process the trauma of the events. The community in Bonifay, where the shootings took place, is also coping with the aftermath of the violent incidents and seeking ways to prevent similar events from occurring in the future. The authorities are working to ensure the safety of residents and travelers in the area.
