Tarpon Springs Police arrested Barrett Raphael Ralston, 21, on August 30, 2025, for attempted felony murder after he allegedly shot a man in the head with a crossbow.
According to the arrest affidavit, Ralston called 911 and admitted to shooting the victim. Officers arriving at the scene observed the victim with a puncture wound to the upper skull. The victim approached officers from the side of the residence and was later treated for his injuries.
Police said Ralston exited the residence without a weapon and was detained. After being read his Miranda rights, Ralston admitted that he shot the victim at close range while the victim was lying on a couch in a back patio area.
Ralston told investigators that he wanted to kill the victim because voices or speakers in his ear told him the victim planned to shoot him in the head execution style.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. in Tarpon Springs in the 1000 block of Teal Point. The victim survived the attack and received medical care for non-life-threatening injuries.
Ralston was booked into the Pinellas County Jail shortly before 11 p.m. and faces a charge of attempted felony murder under Florida Statute 782.051(3).