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Man shot in DeLand; alleged gunman charged with aggravated battery

DELAND, Fla. — A man said he shot a man while trying to intervene in a domestic dispute, but police said there was no evidence to back up his claims.

Now, the man, identified as 29-year-old Charles Muise, is charged with aggravated battery. The man Muise shot early Sunday, Brandon Blekicki, had to be airlifted from the scene, officials said.

Investigators said it happened in the area of Georgia Avenue near New York Avenue in DeLand around 1:40 a.m.

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Police said Blekicki and his girlfriend left a bar and were arguing as they walked toward their car. That’s when police said Muise, of Apopka, got involved.

According to court documents, Muise argued with Blekicki, saying he thought Blekicki was mistreating and physically abusing his girlfriend.

But, through interviews and an examination of the girlfriend for injuries, police said they could find no evidence of domestic violence.

Police said Muise decided to go back to his car and grab his shotgun.

Multiple people said they saw the green laser on Muise's shotgun when he approached Blekicki, yelling "I'm warning you!" before firing.

By the time police arrived at the scene, they said Muise was trying to help Blekicki, using a first aid kit he had gotten from his car.

Detectives said Muise claimed the safety had been on when he pulled the trigger, but he shot Blekicki in the stomach. They said Muise told them he regretted the incident.

Investigators said Muise kept stating that he had feared for his life, but he couldn't give a reason why he had been fearful. Blekicki was unarmed, and Muise said he was aware of that, investigators said.

Police said Muise denied being drunk, but they said he was glassy-eyed, swaying and burping and had the smell of alcohol on his breath.

A relative said Blekicki has undergone multiple surgeries at a hospital.

Muise is now out on $10,000 bail.

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