Florida man opens fire in Florida bar, patrons praised for confronting him

A Florida man opened fire inside a bar and held a woman at gunpoint after he became upset over losing his car keys on Sunday, authorities said. Patrons inside the bar were able to diffuse the situation by tackling the man. 

The suspect, identified as Connor Anderson, had been drinking with a woman at the Smiles Nite Club on Sunday when witnesses said he lost his car keys and “became upset,” according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. 

Anderson left the bar and returned to the establishment with a gun. He grabbed the woman in a headlock and held the gun to her head. 

As other patrons tried to disarm and quell the situation, Anderson fired the gun approximately six times inside the bar, according to authorities. Eventually, patrons were able to tackle and subdue Anderson, who then ran away. 

Authorities responding to the incident found Anderson in a nearby park holding the 9mm Glock handgun. He was taken into custody and arrested. He is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $542,000 bond. 

Anderson was charged with six counts of shooting deadly missiles, three counts of aggravated assault, battery, using a firearm under the influence of alcohol, and improper exhibition of firearms. 

No one was injured during the incident. 

"It is amazing this dirtbag did not kill or seriously injure anyone during his moment of rage over something as small as his car keys," said Sheriff Rick Staly. "Violence is never the answer and alcohol and guns never mix well." 

Staly praised the patrons who stepped in to disarm Anderson, claiming that "putting themselves in danger in this case saved many lives."