NEWBERRY – An intoxicated Newberry man was arrested after deputies say he fired a shotgun inside his home during a domestic dispute, leaving a golf-ball-sized hole in a back door.
According to an arrest report from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old John Joseph Demko Jr. and his wife had been arguing throughout the day before the incident.
A responding deputy reported that Demko returned home and began drinking alcohol while preparing dinner. The couple eventually separated, each going to opposite ends of the residence.
Deputies allege Demko then picked up a 12-gauge shotgun and fired a single round toward the home’s back door. The blast reportedly left a golf-ball-sized hole in the door. No injuries were reported.
According to the report, Demko left the residence after the shooting but returned about 10 minutes after the deputy arrived. He surrendered without incident and reportedly told the deputy, “I shot the gun, and I’m wrong.”
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Demko reportedly told investigators he had previously loaded the shotgun to shoot squirrels and admitted he discharged the firearm inside the residence.
Authorities charged Demko with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, child neglect and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
The child neglect charge stems from the presence of a child in the home during the incident, according to the arrest report.
Court records indicate Demko has no prior local criminal history.
Jonathan Ramsey set Demko’s bond at $25,000. The case will proceed through the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
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