Clermont Police have identified the man and woman killed in the apparent murder suicide Wednesday at a Clermont apartment. As both the suspect and victim recently moved from Nashville, Tennessee to this apartment, it appears to be an isolated domestic violence situation. “This was a truly terrible incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway said.
At about 3:24 pm, officers responded to a report of an adult female screaming and running from an adult man at the Cottonwood Apartment complex, 1700 Hooks Street.
“When our officers arrived, they immediately observed what appeared to be blood and a spent bullet casing outside of an apartment,” Chief Broadway said. “They began to conduct a well-being check but received no response from inside.”
Additional officers arrived and were able to gain access through the front door while making clear statements of police presence. Once inside, officers observed an adult female in the entryway. The female victim, later identified as Sarah Dale, appeared to be deceased from a gunshot wound.
Officers continued to announce their presence as they made their way up the stairs where they observed additional blood and evidence of a struggle. During the search, officers forced open an interior door and were immediately met with gunfire. “We believe this to be an ambush,” Chief Broadway said. “They returned fire and did a tactical reset.”
Additional officers and resources began to arrive at the scene to evacuate nearby apartments, secure the entire complex, and plan a coordinated and safe response to the situation. Attempts by negotiators to communicate with the shooter or any other occupants were not successful.
Mid-Florida Tactical Team officers were able to reach the female who was confirmed deceased and the shooter, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. One firearm was located near the shooter who was identified as Christian Steeler Filson, 28.
Filson was arrested for aggravated battery and reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm in a 2017 Tennessee incident. He has no known criminal involvement in Florida.
Chief Broadway shared his appreciation and admiration to the men and women of the Clermont Police Department as well as those from partnering agencies for their bravery and commitment to their profession.
“I would like to thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Leesburg Police Department, the Groveland Police Department, the Mount Dora Police Department as well as fire and EMS personnel from Clermont and Lake County for all of their assistance,” Chief Broadway said. “This was truly a team effort and through this joint effort, a safe entry was made and no officers were injured.”
Chief Broadway said the investigation continues and his department is working closely with both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office. The officer who fired his duty weapon is on administrative leave as per protocol.
“I would like to commend the resident who called police after witnessing the disturbance and remained at the scene to provide crucial information to our responding officers,” Chief Broadway said, “as well as our community for your patience as we investigated this incident knowing your safety remains paramount.”
“A portion of the officers’ body cam footage is provided, but I have to warn it may be too disturbing for some to watch,” he said. “It is important as it shows the bravery and courage our officers exhibit every day and even while knowing they are approaching danger and evil, they still put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our community.”
