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Man threatens family, but wife shoots him first: police

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TBO.com

Published: April 14, 2009

Troy Christoff (2006 photo)

Troy Christoff lives with five relatives in his Winter Haven home, and this morning he wanted to shoot them all, authorities say.

As Christoff loaded a handgun, he called out the name of the family member each bullet was meant for, Winter Haven police say. His wife was apparently the first target.

Christoff pointed the gun at her, but Dawn Christoff had armed herself with a .9mm handgun to protect her family, police spokesman Sgt. Brad Coleman said.

Dawn Christoff pulled the trigger first, striking her husband several times.

Troy Christoff, 34, was taken by helicopter to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. His condition is not known. He has been charged with five counts of attempted first degree murder.

Police have determined that Dawn Christoff, 35, had shot her husband in self-defense. Detectives continue to investigate the case and the nature of the dispute at the Christoff home, 1121 Seventh St. SW, Winter Haven.

The shooting occurred about 4 a.m. today.

Anyone with information can call Winter Haven police Detective Steve Rusich at (863) 291-5304 or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.

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