Florida, United States

US woman goes on highway shooting spree: There were many things American officials were gearing up to face amid the solar eclipse - traffic jams, accidents, eye injuries and more. But this one definitely wasn't on their list. 

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In a bizarre incident, a woman suddenly shot at two drivers on a Florida interstate and claimed that she was asked by "God" to do so via the solar eclipse, as per the police. 

The 22-year-old Taylon Nichelle Celestine stepped outside her Holmes County motel on Monday (April 8) where she “had recently checked out of a local hotel and told the staff she was going on a shooting spree, directed by ‘God’ in relation to the solar eclipse.”

Strangely, the Sunshine State was not even close to the path of totality and hence, was supposed to be the least affected by the astronomical phenomenon.

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US Woman Shooting at Interstate 10

Celestine, who was driving a purple Dodge Challenger which had Georgia plates, reached Interstate 10 at the 112-mile marker and started firing at other vehicles which were five miles away from the highway in Washington County, said Florida Highway Patrol. 

Also Read: India's Sun-study craft Aditya-L1 can 'create a 24/7 Total Solar Eclipse'

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The woman allegedly shot at a car several times while it was moving on the interstate. “The driver was struck by glass fragments from the window and grazed on the arm by a bullet; however, he was able to steer his vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, away from the suspect,” as reported by the highway patrol.

The woman was armed with both a handgun and an assault rifle and continued to drive west on I-10 and fired on another vehicle which was close to the 107-mile market, as per the highway patrol.

As per the agency, the driver suffered a bullet injury in the neck and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Watch: Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Skywatchers in India to miss solar eclipse

The highway patrol troopers caught hold of the woman near the 96-mile marker. An AR-15 and a 9mm handgun were allegedly recovered from the woman.

The woman was taken into custody and sent to Holmes County Jail. She has been accused of improper discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and attempted murder.

It remains unclear which gun was used by the woman to shoot at other drivers and if they were obtained legally. The investigation into the case is ongoing. 

(With inputs from agencies)