VCSO Arrests Man For Written Mass Shooting Threats

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UPDATE: Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said during a press conference today (August 17) that Tristan Wix sent his text messages about wanting to be part of a mass shooting to his ex-girlfriend. She reported the texts to law enforcement which led to Wix arrest. Even though he told deputies he did not own a gun, a search of where he lived turned up a hunting rifle with about 400 rounds of ammunition. Wix was in court this morning (August 17) where a judge denied bond. He remains in the Volusia County Jail.

The Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department released bodycam video of Wix arrest.  

Daytona Beach Shores, FL - A 25-year-old Daytona Beach man is waking up in the Volusia County Jail today (August 17) after deputies say he sent text messages threatening a mass shooting. Tristan Wix was arrested yesterday (August 16) afternoon in the parking lot of the Winn Dixie store in Daytona Beach Shores.

Volusia County Sheriff's deputies were alerted to text messages in which he detailed plans to shoot as many people as he could in a large crowd. VCSO released some of the text messages that included:

“A school is a weak target.. id be more likely to open fire on a large crowd of people from over 3 miles away.. I'd wanna break a world record for longest confirmed kill ever.”

“I wanna open fire on a large crowd of people from over 3 miles away before I die and I need a spotter (laughing cry face emoji)”

“What you wanna do after the fact, is your own business, if you want to plan to escape we can work on that. But I don't intend on walking away alive, unless I see it fit.”

“But a good 100 kills would be nice. I already have a location (laughing cry face emoji) is that bad?”

“Ah well even if you told someone, me saying I wanna do it and think about it is not the same as actually doing it lol. Was kinda hoping someone would come into my life worth not doing it for, for the sake of all those people (laughing cry face emoji). I'm not crazy I just wanna die and I wanna have fun doing it, but I'm the most patient person in the world.”

When arrested, Wix told detectives he does not own any firearms but is fascinated with mass shootings. Sheriff's detectives obtained a search warrant for Wix's residence on Botefuhr Avenue in Daytona Beach last night (August 16).

Wix was taken to VCJ and held on bond overnight. He will go before a judge this morning. Check back for updates.

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