‘Could have ended differently’: Fort Pierce couple arrested for firing guns while drinking alcohol
SAINT LUCIE, Fla. —
The St. Lucie County sheriff is warning against handling firearms while drinking alcohol after two people were arrested over the weekend near Fort Pierce.
Deputies responded to reports of individuals firing multiple weapons into the ground outside a residence in the 5100 block of Happiness Street. According to the sheriff’s office, the individuals had been drinking alcohol before and during the incident.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro was asked about the law.
“You can discharge a firearm on your property. It’s not recommended, especially in a close-type of residential type neighborhood, but again, when you’re mixing alcohol, this could have ended very differently,” Del Toro said.
Tiffany Lindo and Jacob Mills were taken into custody, and several weapons, including a shotgun, rifle, and handguns, were seized at the scene.
“It would be legal if you weren’t using alcohol, but the fact that they were under the influence, that’s what made it a second-degree misdemeanor,” Del Toro said.
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The sheriff explained that the offense could result in up to six months in jail or probation.
“We want to make sure that they’re being safe with firearms. You know, I’m very pro-Second Amendment, but at the same time, we have to do things responsibly, and anytime you’re using alcohol, please do not use firearms,” the sheriff said.
No injuries were reported during the incident, but the sheriff emphasized that the innocent public is the victim in such situations. “I mean, dealing with a firearm in general can be a dangerous thing; you mix in alcohol, and it can be very dangerous for the people around there,” Del Toro said. “So, the public and the state of Florida are the victim, and we have zero tolerance when it comes to doing things like that.”
Both Lindo and Mills have bonded out of jail.
The charges they face include discharging a firearm in public or residential area and use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
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