Florida Man Accused of Shooting Rival in the Ear With Pellet Gun After Tip Jar Dispute

A disagreement over missing money from a gas station tip jar allegedly escalated into a shooting after a Florida man was accused of firing a pellet gun at another man’s ear.

D. Aaron Chance Taylor, 25, of Mossy Head, Florida, was arrested on October 16, 2026, after deputies responded to a home on Stewart Circle in Walton County.

According to authorities, the victim told deputies that he and Taylor had argued earlier that morning over money missing from a gas station’s tip jar. The confrontation reportedly became heated before Taylor walked away.

But the dispute allegedly took a violent turn moments later. The victim said he suddenly felt a sharp sting on the side of his head and saw Taylor running away. He was bleeding from his ear.

Paramedics from Walton County Fire Rescue arrived and reportedly discovered two projectile wounds on the victim’s ear. He was taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

A witness told investigators they had seen Taylor point a rifle-style pellet gun at the victim and fire before the man fell to the ground, according to reports.

Deputies later found Taylor in nearby woods, reportedly wearing a different pair of pants and carrying another pair under his arm. During a search, officers also found a straw that allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

Taylor was booked into the Walton County Jail. He faces charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to reports.

Authorities have not reported a conviction in the case. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.

What began as an argument over a small amount of money allegedly ended with a man needing medical treatment and another facing serious criminal charges.

Source:   Tampafp