Florida Woman Allegedly Held Teens at Gunpoint, said She’d ‘Blow their Heads Off’

A Florida woman was arrested after allegedly threatening two teens with a rifle and holding them at gunpoint when she found them fishing near her property. The incident took place in Melbourne, Florida, and the woman, 59-year-old Donna Elkins, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment.

The Confrontation Begins

The situation unfolded when Elkins called 911 after spotting two boys, ages 13 and 15, fishing near what she believed to be her backyard. According to the arrest report obtained by NBC affiliate WESH, Elkins confronted the teens, and during the exchange, she reportedly pulled out a rifle, threatening the boys with violent language. Photos and videos captured by one of the boys showed the woman holding what appeared to be a rifle while shouting at them. In one video, Elkins can be heard saying, “If someone goes in your backyard, you can blow their f—ing heads off.” She continued, “I have a right to protect my property and my house,” as the boys complied and said, “Yes ma’am.”

Teens Fear for Their Lives

According to one of the teens, Brayden, the situation quickly escalated. He recalled, “We turned around, and she was holding a rifle and was telling us she was going to blow our heads off.” The woman allegedly made the teens lie on the ground and repeatedly told them they were not welcome on her property. “She was saying that if we did come on her property, she could blow our brains out,” Brayden added in a phone interview. Family members of the teens insisted that the boys were not on Elkins’ property at the time, as they were fishing near a nearby area. Despite the woman’s claims, the location of the teens did not appear to constitute trespassing.

Elkins’ Explanation and Arrest

When deputies arrived at the scene, Elkins explained that she had confronted the boys with a pellet gun to scare them off. According to the report, her husband arrived shortly after the confrontation and disarmed her. Deputies later found the pellet gun, which Elkins had reportedly used during the incident. Elkins was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment. She was booked into the Brevard County Jail but was released the following day after posting bond. This alarming incident highlights the potential dangers of property disputes and the use of firearms in tense situations. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case to ensure the safety of the community and hold individuals accountable for their actions.