Fatal Shooting in Port Orange | Dunlawton & Ridgewood

44 Year Old Man Shot and Killed at Dunlawton & Ridgewood Traffic Signal

Port Orange, Florida
A fender bender escalated into a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon, according to the Port Orange Police Department.
Robert Gelles, 63, of Holly Hill, crashed a Budget Auto locksmith van into an SUV driven by a 44-year-old man as he slowed for a stoplight at Dunlawton and South Ridgewood avenues at about 5:15 p.m., said Port Orange police Lt. Scott Brozio.
Gelles then shot the driver of the SUV as he approached the van, Chief Gerald Monahan, Jr. said.
The two men exchanged words before the shooting, but it’s unknown if they were arguing or just having a conversation, Monahan said.
The man, who has not been identified, was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he was pronounced dead. The passenger in the SUV was not hurt.
“From what I’ve seen on the tape, there was nothing the victim did in my estimation to precipitate being shot,” said Monahan.
Monahan said it’s unknown if the man who was shot was armed, but he doesn’t believe it’s a case of self defense.
Brozio said detectives continue to investigate the shooting and charges are pending against Gelles, who’s in police custody.
Officers said they found a gun inside the van. Police said Gelles opened fire before getting out of his van..
He remains jailed without bail.  Gelles is scheduled to face a judge Monday
 
The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy Monday morning, Brozio said.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Detective Jeff Wenzel at 386-506-5884.