Thomas A. Calderon, 37, Wanted for Attempted Second-Degree Murder in Deltona Shooting: Authorities Search for Armed Suspect After Early Morning Argument Over Victim’s Treatment of Girlfriend Ends in Gunfire on Flagami Terrace

A violent confrontation in the early morning hours has prompted an urgent manhunt in Volusia County, Florida, where sheriff’s detectives have issued an arrest warrant for 37-year-old Thomas A. Calderon in connection with a shooting incident in Deltona. According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO), Calderon is now wanted for attempted second-degree murder with a firearm following a dispute that escalated into gunfire at a residence located at 1500 Flagami Terrace.

The victim, a 29-year-old male, is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition at a medical facility in Sanford, following a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Authorities say the victim was driven to an Orange City hospital by his girlfriend at approximately 3:11 a.m., just minutes after the shooting occurred. The early notification allowed deputies and medical personnel to respond swiftly, though Calderon had already fled the scene by the time law enforcement arrived.

Initial investigative findings reveal that the confrontation between Calderon and the victim began as a verbal argument, allegedly over the way the victim had been treating his girlfriend. That dispute, according to VSO detectives, quickly escalated beyond words. In a moment that transformed a domestic disagreement into a criminal investigation, Calderon reportedly produced a firearm and shot the victim at close range, striking him in the abdominal area.

The shooting took place inside the Flagami Terrace residence, which Calderon is believed to reside at. Following the hospital report, deputies quickly converged on the property, securing the scene and subsequently executing a search warrant. While investigators did not immediately disclose the evidence recovered from the home, the decision to conduct a search suggests law enforcement sought to retrieve the weapon used in the shooting or other items of evidentiary value—such as shell casings, forensic trace evidence, or communications that might reveal Calderon’s state of mind.

Despite these efforts, Calderon was not at the residence during the search. His current whereabouts remain unknown, but detectives believe he may have fled the Deltona area. The VSO confirmed that Calderon has established connections in the Sanford/Seminole County region, raising the possibility that he may be seeking refuge with acquaintances or attempting to avoid capture by relocating within central Florida.

In issuing the arrest warrant, detectives emphasized the gravity of the charge—attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, a felony that carries significant legal consequences. The specific charge implies that while the act may not have been premeditated, the use of a deadly weapon during the heat of a violent altercation shows intent to cause serious bodily harm. Prosecutors will ultimately determine whether to pursue enhanced charges based on aggravating factors, such as use of a firearm, prior criminal history, or injuries sustained by the victim.

Calderon, born October 17, 1987, is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities have strongly advised that members of the public not approach him under any circumstances. Anyone who sees him or has information about his location is urged to call 911 immediately. In cases like this, where a suspect may be on the move and in possession of a weapon, the risk to public safety is heightened—not only to law enforcement attempting to apprehend him, but also to anyone he may encounter during his flight.

The relationship between the victim, Calderon, and the girlfriend at the center of the argument remains a key detail in the investigation. While authorities have not released the names of the victim or his girlfriend, the suggestion that Calderon took issue with how the victim was treating her introduces the possibility of a protective motivation, misapplied through deadly force. Whether Calderon and the woman are family, friends, or romantically involved is not clear, but the emotional dynamics of the confrontation will likely be explored by investigators as they reconstruct the series of events leading up to the shooting.

This case highlights the dangerous volatility of domestic and interpersonal disputes, particularly when firearms are involved. What began as an argument between two men has now resulted in life-threatening injuries, a manhunt, and the likely prosecution of a suspect whose actions—whether spontaneous or rage-fueled—have already left lasting consequences.

The victim’s condition, though critical, has stabilized, according to hospital reports. His survival may prove crucial in providing investigators with firsthand testimony of what occurred. If he is able to speak with detectives, he could shed light on the argument’s content, how quickly it escalated, and whether there were any attempts at de-escalation. His account may also help determine whether there was any prior animosity between him and Calderon.

For now, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office continues its search for Calderon and has prioritized public safety in its messaging. Investigators are likely working multiple angles: reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing cell phone data, interviewing neighbors or witnesses, and tracking financial transactions that might reveal Calderon’s movements. Given his known connections in Seminole County, authorities may also be coordinating with local law enforcement agencies in the Sanford area, conducting surveillance at addresses associated with his known contacts or prior residences.

Should Calderon be apprehended, the next step will be his initial appearance in court, where a judge will determine bond (if any) and schedule a preliminary hearing. If he remains at large, however, law enforcement may broaden the scope of the manhunt, involving U.S. Marshals or issuing federal alerts through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

In the meantime, VSO detectives are working against the clock—not just to locate Calderon, but to ensure that no further violence emerges from what began as a domestic confrontation and quickly turned into a near-fatal act of gun violence. The incident, while isolated, serves as a vivid reminder of how quickly interpersonal conflict can erupt into irreversible harm when a firearm is present.

Anyone with information, however minor, is encouraged to come forward. In the words of a VSO spokesperson, “You never know which tip might be the one that leads us to Calderon—and keeps someone else from getting hurt.”