Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call in the area of County Road 1 and Curlew Road in Palm Harbor, at approximately 3:00 a.m. on November 12, 2017, due to receiving multiple calls from neighbors who reported they heard several gun shots. When deputies responded to the scene, they also reported hearing about five gunshots, which sounded to be possibly from a rifle. Deputies were able to determine that the gunshots were coming from a residence located at 1520 Canopy Oaks Boulevard. Deputies were able to determine the subject that lived in the home to be Stephen Jonas.
Deputies set up a perimeter and attempted to make contact with Jonas for approximately eight hours. At about 11:22 a.m., Jonas walked out of his home and was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies entered the home for safety, to determine if there was anyone inside the home with Jonas. Deputies were able to confirm there were no other subjects in the home and there were no injuries. Deputies observed a .223 rifle inside the residence, along with many other weapons. Drugs were also observed in the home.
During the investigation, deputies determined there was one residence, located to the south of 1520 Canopy Oaks Boulevard that was struck with one of the rounds. There were no injuries to anyone residing in that home.
Once Jonas was in-custody, he told deputies that he was shooting at rats in his backyard.
Jonas is being cooperative with the investigation.
Jonas is being charged with one count of Shooting Into An Occupied Dwelling and will be taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation continues.
