Photos for Headline Surfer
TOP: Crime scene surrounds the parking lot and entraceway to the closed Walgreens Pharmacy at 1625 Taylor Road since Port Orance Police responded to 9-1-1 calls for shots fired at 5:26 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Port Orange, Florida where two employees were shot and the gunman fatally shot himself.
LEFT: Floweres were left in front of the shuuterd doors of the Walgreens store in Port Orange.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- Port Orange cops have identified the gunman who shot two employees of the Walgreens store before turning the gun on himself as Daniel Lee Asseff, 60, who was a disgruntled customer in the pharmacy section when he started shooting.
Here is an updated synopsis regarding the active shooter call at the Port Orange Walgreens store at 1625 Taylor Road at 5:26 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, as described by Lt. Michael Wallace with the Port Orange Police Department's Office of Public Affairs:
When the officers arrived in the Walgreens parking lot, they identified the suspect in his vehicle. As they approached the car, they heard a single gunshot. Upon inspection inside the vehicle, they found Daniel Lee Asseff, age 60, in the driver’s seat with a single gunshot wound to the head.
"The officers made efforts to save Daniel's life with the assistance of Port Orange Fire Rescue," POPD's Wallace said. "Daniel was pronounced deceased later at the scene."
The preliminary investigation revealed that a shooting took place inside the pharmacy area of the store, allegedly due to a disgruntled customer, Wallace said. During the incident, two employees suffered gunshot wounds and were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals.
Initial reports during the early stages of the investigation indicated that no customers, or possibly only one customer, were in the store at the time of the incident. However, further investigation last night revealed several customers in the store and parking lot at the time of the incident."
Update on injured Walgreens employees
As of Thursday morning, one of the employees remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition with a torso wound, while the other employee was treated for a foot wound and has been released from the hospital. Port Orange Police Lt. Michael Wallace said identities are being withheld pending additional investigation. "Our detectives are diligently working to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this incident, and further details will be disclosed as they become available," Wallace said.
As of Thursday morning, one of the employees remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition with a torso wound, while the other employee was treated for a foot wound and has been released from the hospital. Port Orange Police Lt. Michael Wallace said identities are being withheld pending additional investigation.
"Our detectives are diligently working to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this incident, and further details will be disclosed as they become available," Wallace said.
Public reaction on social media to the gunfire
Reaction was mixed on social media to the Walgreens shooting incident. Here are a few Facebook posts:
"I worked retail for over 30 years. Had a gun pulled on me twice. Very scary," Heather Strickland said. "My heart goes out to the associates and customers involved. From experience… if offered, please take assistance to work through this. I didn’t the first time and wished I had."
"More disgruntled customers every day," Becky Summers said. "Everyone, please remember your life is more important than their anger."
"I also feel that sometimes customers are spoken to in a manner that is not very professional," Sarah Elstov said. "I know myself have been into it with Walgreens on Dunlawton and Clyde (Morris) ... numerous times. They lie and sometimes make you feel crazy. Sad situation and sad story."
"Willing to bet that the suspect was trying to get a prescription filled, and his insurance denied it," Kevin Bess said.
"Absolutely heartbreaking," Layne Yoder said. "Praying for all the associates and customers that witnessed all of this, as well as the first responders.
The Port Orange Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident to call 386-248-1777.
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