Florida Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a report of an active shooter in Holmes County
Bonifay, Fla. – On Monday, April 8th, Holmes County Sheriff’s office Communications center received a call from a local motel stating that a black female, later identified as Taylon Nichelle Celestine of Georgia, armed with a rifle and a handgun checked out and told employees that she was God and was going on a shooting spree. Shortly after, reports were made to Washington County Sheriff’s Office Communications that a subject on the interstate was shooting into other vehicles.
Celestine, who was driving a purple Dodge Challenger with Georgia plates, entered Interstate 10 (I-10) at the 112-mile marker and traveled westbound.
Within 5 miles of entering the interstate, Celestine fired multiple shots into another vehicle traveling along the interstate, striking the passing car multiple times. The driver was struck by glass fragments from the window and grazed on the arm by a bullet; however, he was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, away from the suspect.
Continuing westbound on I-10, Celestine shot at another vehicle near the 107- mile marker, hitting the driver in the neck. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
Responding Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol located Celestine near the 96- mile marker and conducted a felony traffic stop. After she was taken into custody, troopers recovered an AR-15 rifle and a 9mm handgun within the purple Challenger.
22-year-old Taylon Nichelle Celestine, of Georgia, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Holmes County Jail where she was charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Improper Discharge of Firearm.
The Florida Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence is conducting the investigation, which is ongoing. Further details will be released when available.