Florida Homeowner Catches Armed Suspect Rummaging Through Vehicles at 3:30 A.M., Holds Him at Gunpoint Until Deputies Arrive
Key Takeaways
- A homeowner in Inlet Beach, Florida, found Tyler Mack Morris rummaging through vehicles at 3:30 a.m. on Quail Hollow Court.
- The homeowner held Morris at gunpoint until Walton County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived and took him into custody.
- Deputies found three weapons on Morris, including a handgun in his waistband.
- Morris, 25, of Panama City, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, and several other offenses.
- The Walton County Sheriff's Office reported multiple vehicle burglary reports on Quail Hollow Court and Golfridge Drive as of Tuesday afternoon.
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INLET BEACH, FL — A homeowner held an armed burglary suspect at gunpoint early Tuesday morning after finding him rummaging through vehicles, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Just after 3:30 a.m., deputies responded to a burglary-in-progress call on Quail Hollow Court. When they arrived, the homeowner had the suspect held at gunpoint. The sheriff’s office identified him as Tyler Mack Maroney, also known as Tyler Mack Morris, 25, of Panama City.
Deputies took Morris into custody. They found a handgun in his waistband. The sheriff’s office says two more weapons were found in his possession.
Anyone who steps outside at 3:30 a.m. to confront a stranger should assume that stranger is armed. This one was. The sheriff’s office describes no shots fired. The homeowner held Morris until deputies took over.
A firearm is not for protecting what is parked in a driveway. It is for an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. In a situation like this, the safer play is often staying behind a locked door and letting the 911 call do the work. Holding someone at gunpoint carries its own risk. When deputies roll up in the dark, they see two people, and one of them has a gun pointed at the other. If you end up in that position, stay on the line with dispatch and describe yourself and what you are wearing. Follow every command the moment deputies arrive.
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Morris was booked into the Walton County Jail on several charges. They include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, wearing a mask while committing a felony, grand theft, and obstruction. The felon-in-possession charge means he was legally barred from having a gun at all. The sheriff’s office says additional charges are expected because of the two other weapons. The charges are allegations, and Morris is presumed innocent unless convicted. The homeowner has not been identified, and no charging decision involving the homeowner has been announced.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said it had taken several burglary reports on Quail Hollow Court and Golfridge Drive. The reports came from victims who discovered items missing from their vehicles. Anyone who believes they are a victim of a vehicle burglary is asked to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at 850-892-8111.
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