Woman Critical After Shooting Self During Traffic Stop

Palm Coast, FL - A woman is in critical condition after deputies say she attempted to take her own life during a traffic stop early Monday morning (February 15th). The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) says deputies located a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Volusia County at a Palm Coast Race Trac gas station around 2:00 in the morning. According to a report from the Sheriff’s Office, deputies approached the vehicle in an attempt to apprehend the driver—an unidentified female—during a traffic stop as the car sat in the parking lot. However, before deputies could make contact with her, the driver reportedly produced a firearm and attempted to take their own life. The woman survived the attempt, leading deputies and emergency crews to begin life saving procedures. She was later taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach in critical condition. "This is an active ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to the self-inflicted gunshot," Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. "It is always tragic when someone attempts to take their own life but I’m glad no deputies were hurt in this incident." The stolen vehicle was recovered and the investigation continues. News Daytona Beach will provide updates as they are made available.