Shortly before 1 a.m. today, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in rural Homosassa.

Neighbors reported hearing shots fired inside a double-wide mobile home there.

Once on scene, deputies found victim 72-year-old Roberta Schulz, who had fled from the residence. Although not shot, the Sheriff's Office reports that she had been physically battered by her husband. Furthermore, Joachim “Jack” Schulz, 70, was barricaded inside the family residence with multiple firearms on the premises, the CCSO said.

The agency’s SWAT and crisis negotiation team members also were called out in an effort to establish contact with Schulz and bring the incident to a peaceful conclusion.

As the early morning hours wore on, the barricaded man remained uncommunicative with officers. In the interest of public safety, the CCSO said, at least one nearby residence was evacuated.

Not long before 6 a.m., tear gas was deployed inside the residence, and SWAT members made entry.

Jack Schulz was transported by ambulance to an area hospital as a result of exposure to the gas. His wife was transported to a different facility for further treatment of her injuries.

Felony charges against Schulz are pending his medical release, probably tomorrow. His wife remains hospitalized at this time as well.