Full Breakdown
Shooting Inside Port Orange Police Department Lobby Leaves Woman in Critical Condition
9/4/2026, 5:52:33 AM
Core Incident
In the early morning, a woman entered the lobby of the Port Orange Police Department headquarters on South Clyde Morris Boulevard, brandished a handgun and fired at least one round toward civilian staff. She then exited the lobby, where three responding officers confronted her. The woman was shot by the officers, remained in possession of the firearm, and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. No officers or civilian employees were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has taken over the investigation, and the lobby will remain closed for several days while the scene is processed.
Data & Statistics
- Age: Reported as roughly 70 years old; one outlet listed her as 71.
- Identity: Linda Jean Croteau.
- Firearms discharged: At least one round fired inside the lobby; a second shot fired by officers.
- Personnel involved: Three officers engaged the woman; none were injured.
- Medical status: Critical condition per the department.
Official Statements & Responses
The department is providing a critical-incident debrief and mental-health resources to employees who witnessed the event. The FDLE is conducting a standard investigation of the officer-involved shooting.
On-the-Ground Reports
Caleb Lemons, a construction worker nearby, said he was “shocked” and didn’t know what to think.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know if she saw an employee and that’s what she was aiming at. That will be part of this investigation as well,” — Manny Marino, chief
- “At that point, she remains in the lobby for a bit of time, a few minutes, when ultimately, she does fire a round in the lobby in the direction where some of our civilian staff were working,” — Manny Marino, chief
- “She exits the front lobby and is confronted by the three officers that are responding to the scene. At that point, there is an officer-involved shooting,” — Manny Marino, chief
- “She was still holding a firearm when she was confronted by the officers,” — Manny Marino, chief
What’s Next
The lobby will stay closed while investigators process the scene and the department conducts internal debriefings. The FDLE investigation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as it progresses.
