Neighbor Dispute Escalates to Shooting in Middleburg; Suspect Arrested

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — A routine dispute between neighbors turned dangerously violent on August 22, 2025, when deputies responded to a shooting incident on the 5600 block of Bee Hive Road in Middleburg, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, 54-year-old Sherry Lynn Garrison, was arrested following the confrontation.

Deputies were called to the scene around 7:00 a.m. after reports that a neighbor was firing a gun toward another residence. Upon arrival, law enforcement immediately took Garrison into custody, though she resisted arrest and fought with deputies during the process.

The investigation revealed that the altercation began as a dispute between neighbors over dogs, which quickly turned physical. Garrison allegedly pushed one of the victims, escalating tensions between the households. The victim, in an effort to protect his property, fired warning shots into the ground on his own property to deter Garrison from approaching.

Rather than de-escalate, Garrison reportedly returned to her home, retrieved her own firearm, and fired multiple shots at the victim and another adult in the yard. Authorities say she also fired into the victim’s home, where another adult and six children were present. Miraculously, no one was injured during the exchange of gunfire.

Following her arrest, Garrison was interviewed by deputies and charged with multiple offenses, including:

  • Attempted Murder (2 counts)
  • Shooting Into an Occupied Dwelling (1 count)
  • Resisting Law Enforcement with Violence (1 count)
  • Simple Battery (1 count)

Deputies emphasized that the prompt response and professional handling of the situation prevented potential injuries or fatalities, particularly given the presence of children inside the targeted residence.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the victim’s condition or any prior history of disputes between the two households, but law enforcement noted that neighbor conflicts escalating to gunfire are extremely rare and urged residents to resolve disputes peacefully.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms in domestic or neighborhood disputes. Clay County Sheriff’s Office officials encourage anyone involved in conflicts to seek mediation or law enforcement assistance rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Garrison is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings, and the investigation remains active as authorities review evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the full scope of the incident.

 

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