AUBURNDALE, FL — A 20-year-old man is facing two counts of attempted murder after Auburndale police say he fired a handgun toward his girlfriend as she ran away while holding her young child.
The Auburndale Police Department responded to the area of Timothy Street and Ernest Drive at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 20 following reports of a shooting. According to police, Danford Thornton-Swain, 20, was involved in a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend when he allegedly struck her, took her phone and damaged it, preventing her from contacting law enforcement.
Police said the victim attempted to run away while holding her young child when Thornton-Swain allegedly fired two rounds from a handgun in her direction. Neither the woman nor the child was struck by the gunfire.
Following the shooting, Thornton-Swain fled toward Motel 92 along Highway 92 West, according to police. Officers located and apprehended him a short time later.
Thornton-Swain was charged with two counts of attempted murder, domestic battery, improper exhibition of a firearm, discharging a firearm in public, witness tampering, criminal mischief and robbery without a firearm. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: Auburndale Police Department
