BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – In a scene straight out of a Florida Man headline, a 39-year-old Dunnellon resident sparked a dramatic law enforcement response Monday when he allegedly pulled a gun during an altercation at a Publix supermarket, then led deputies on a high-speed chase before ditching weapons outside a Walmart and sprinting inside clutching a Bible.
Steven Sheehan faces multiple charges, including weapon offenses and fleeing police, after the chaotic chain of events unfolded across Citrus and Hernando counties. Authorities say no one was injured, but the incident left shoppers and bystanders rattled as deputies moved swiftly to neutralize the threat.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the trouble began just before 8 a.m. at the Publix in Citrus County. Deputies responded to reports of a man who ran into the store armed with a firearm, yelling that people were chasing him and reportedly telling a witness,
“You better call the cops. I’m crazy.” Sheehan then fled the scene in a red Mustang, heading south into neighboring Hernando County.
The pursuit ended at the Walmart on Cortez Boulevard in Brooksville, where Sheehan pulled up to the entrance, allegedly dumped two loaded guns on the hood of his car, and ran inside still holding a Bible. An undercover deputy quickly pursued and tackled the suspect near the customer service area to ensure he wasn’t carrying additional weapons. Bodycam footage captured Sheehan yelling during the takedown, “I won’t use my judo as a weapon!”Sheriff Al Nienhuis praised the rapid response, noting the deputy’s actions prevented any potential harm to the public.
“Our deputies acted decisively to take this individual into custody,” the sheriff’s office stated. Sheehan was charged with weapon offenses for improperly exhibiting firearms and fleeing to elude law enforcement. Additional charges from Citrus County, including aggravated assault with a firearm, are pending.
Officials described the episode as stemming from a severe mental health crisis. Sheehan remains in custody as investigators piece together the full sequence of events. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage showing the tense moments inside the Walmart.
Incidents like this continue to highlight ongoing concerns about mental health breakdowns intersecting with public safety, especially in high-traffic retail areas. Florida law enforcement agencies have stressed the importance of swift intervention and community vigilance in preventing escalation. No further details on Sheehan’s background or possible motive were immediately released.
