Crime
Deltona Woman Fatally Shot by Ex-Husband, Suspect Dies After Fleeing and Crashing in Flagler County
DELTONA, FL – A domestic violence incident turned deadly early Monday when a Deltona woman was fatally shot by her ex-husband, who later took his own life after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash in Flagler County.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Ashley Vaia, was found deceased inside her home at approximately 2:22 a.m. by her child.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as her ex-husband, 33-year-old Samuel Vaia, who fled the scene in a white SUV.
Using vehicle detection technology, law enforcement tracked Vaia’s SUV traveling northbound on I-95 at speeds exceeding 100 mph as he attempted to evade capture.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, successfully deploying stop sticks to disable the vehicle.
Vaia ultimately lost control and crashed near Palm Harbor Parkway and Hammock Dunes Parkway in Palm Coast at approximately 3:21 a.m.
Given that Vaia was considered armed and dangerous, and was reportedly wearing body armor, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) deputies utilized drone surveillance while Flagler County SWAT officers cautiously approached the wrecked vehicle.
At approximately 5:15 a.m., SWAT extricated the suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Vaia was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Just one week before the fatal shooting, Samuel Vaia had been arrested on domestic violence battery charges involving the same victim.
According to deputies, on Sunday, March 23, at approximately 1:48 a.m., Ashley Vaia reported that her ex-husband entered her bedroom, took her phone, and accused her of infidelity.
The couple had been attempting to reconcile, and Vaia still had a key to her home due to a time-sharing arrangement involving their child.
During the altercation, Ashley stated that Vaia forcefully pushed her into a bathroom, covered her mouth, and prevented her from calling 911.
She was only able to break free when she called for her daughter, at which point Vaia fled.
Vaia was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on a battery (domestic violence) charge. He was released on a $2,000 bond the following evening.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed condolences to the victim’s family and commended the coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol.
“Our hearts go out to Ashley’s children, and all her family and friends who have to deal with losing her to such a senseless act of violence,” said Sheriff Chitwood. “Time and time again, we see that domestic violence situations can escalate quickly and dangerously, with tragic consequences.”
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly echoed the sentiments, stating, “I am thankful for the swift actions of our deputies in helping to prevent any further loss of life. This is a deeply tragic incident for all involved, and we send our condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time.”
For individuals experiencing domestic violence in Volusia County, free and confidential services are available through the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County at 386-257-2297 or www.dacvolusia.com.
Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233), via text by sending START to 88788, or through live chat at www.thehotline.org.
MIAMI-DADE, FL — Law enforcement officials are responding to an active shooting situation at a warehouse in Southwest Miami-Dade that has left several individuals injured, authorities confirmed Thursday afternoon.
The incident unfolded around 1:00 p.m. in the 7300 block of Southwest 45th Street, near the Palmetto Expressway and Bird Road.
The warehouse complex, located in a busy industrial area, quickly became the focus of a major police operation.
According to preliminary reports, at least four individuals were shot during the incident.
The conditions of the victims have not been publicly disclosed at this time, and emergency medical personnel remain on site to provide aid and transport those injured to local hospitals as necessary.
A significant law enforcement response is underway, with the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office leading efforts to secure the location and apprehend the suspect.
Authorities believe the suspect may still be inside the warehouse, and tactical units are currently working to clear the premises.
Aerial footage from the scene captured images of heavily armed officers surrounding the building and escorting numerous individuals from the premises.
Several people could be seen exiting with their hands raised, complying with law enforcement commands as officers worked to ensure everyone’s safety.
The situation remains fluid and active, with law enforcement treating the scene as an ongoing threat.
Police are urging members of the public and nearby businesses to avoid the area and stay clear of roadways to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access.
Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify all those involved.
Updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department or Crime Stoppers immediately.