Cops: DeLand homeowner fires shots after driver with .307 BAC crashes into home

Robert Guthell arrested on DUI charge; no one injured

DeLAND, Fla. – A driver who DeLand police said had a .307 blood alcohol content crashed into a house, prompting the homeowner to fire shots at him because he thought he was being robbed, according to officials.

The crash happened around 6:45 a.m. Thursday at 800 E. Voorhis Avenue in DeLand.

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According to police, the homeowner, Michael Norman, grabbed his .45-caliber handgun after being awakened by the sound of the crash, believing he was being burglarized.

Norman told police he found a 2004 two-door Chevrolet inside his living room with a man, later identified as 46-year-old Robert Guthell, standing next to the car.

Norman fired several shots, striking the windshield, according to police, who added that Guthell left the house and Norman and his family ran to a neighbor's home. 

Police said their investigation revealed that the incident was the result of a DUI crash, and Guthell, was arrested at the scene after tests showed his blood alcohol content at .307.  The legal limit for drunken driving in Florida is 0.08.

No one was injured, and no charges have been filed against Norman, police said.