On August 21st, 2026, the Auburndale Police Department responded to a dangerous shooting in the area of Timothy Street and Ernest Drive.
At approximately 11:45am, Danford Thornton-Swain (DOB: 01/27/2006) was involved in a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend. During the incident, Thornton physically struck the victim, took her phone and damaged it, preventing her from contacting Law Enforcement. As the victim was running away from Thornton, while holding her young child, Thornton fired two rounds from a handgun in the victim’s direction. Neither the victim nor the child was struck by the gunfire.
Following the incident, Thornton fled the area toward Motel 92 along Highway 92 W. Officers located and apprehended him a short time later.
Thornton was charged with Attempted Murder (2 counts), Battery (Domestic), Improper Exhibition of a Firearm, Discharging a Firearm in Public, Witness Tampering, Criminal Mischief, and Robbery without a Firearm.
