Police: Elderly man shoots paramedic in hand during medical call

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Titusville police said a man barricaded himself inside his Brevard County home after firing a shot at paramedics who were attempting to rescue him.

A family member, out of concern, called police at about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Paramedics arrived at the home on West Street and said they determined it was necessary to force their way into the house to help the elderly man who had fallen.

As they tried to enter through a window, rescuers said Fred Banks fired a gun, causing a hand injury to one paramedic.

"When 911 came, they couldn't get in. I don't know what caused an altercation. I didn't even know he had a gun," Banks' sister, Ora Groover, said. "I guess he must have thought someone was breaking in on him. That's the only thing I know."

Investigators said Banks fired several rounds at least three different times from inside the house.

The 81-year-old's family members believe he was disoriented and frightened and began shooting.

"I guess he must have thought someone was breaking in on him. That's the only thing I know," said Groover.

"And it was only after utilizing their armored truck, make announcements at the door, and then finally our CNT negotiators making contact over the phone, the gentleman finally, after several attempts, was able to exit his resident," said Sgt. Jeff King of the Titusville Police Department.

Authorities said after a lengthy standoff, Banks finally came out of his house and surrendered.

Those who've known Banks for years say this is not the way the man they know would have acted toward police and fire officials.

“He's one of the best people in Titusville. I guess he just got old and got dementia and bugged out … Not like him at all,” Bank’s friend Johnnie Davis said.

Groover said he’ll be treated at a local hospital. There are no plans to charge him.

WFTV