Friday, October 23, 2020

DRUG DEBT COLLECTION EFFORT ENDS IN GUNFIRE AND ARRESTS



 


On October 22, 2020, Levy County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Detectives and Crime Scene personnel responded to a residence south of Chiefland to a reported shooting.  After extensive investigation by more than a dozen LCSO personnel, Tommie D. Neal, A/K/A “Yogi” (4-29-85) was arrested on multiple felony charges. 

Those who are familiar with LCSO press releases may remember Neal’s name.  LCSO recently shared information provided by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office detailing Neal’s arrest in that county on October 1, 2020.  Neal was charged with multiple crimes including Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm / Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.  Neal was released from Detention in Citrus County on October 3rd after posting a $47,000.00 bond.

The evidence gathered by LCSO personnel shows that during the afternoon hours of October 22, 2020, Neal and a co-defendant, Christian Miles Cannon (6-21-88), traveled to the victims’ residence south of the city of Chiefland.  The purpose of the trip was to enable Neal to collect money that he was owed for the sale of illegal drugs.  Upon arrival, Neal forced his way through the door of the victims’ residence and pointed a handgun at the female victim.  A physical struggle ensued between Neal and the male victim and Neal was forced out of the residence.  Neal then fired several rounds into the residence and into the victims’ vehicle before leaving the residence in a vehicle driven by Miles. 

LCSO recovered numerous items of physical evidence including shell casings, live rounds and the firearm that was allegedly used in the incident.  Witness statements positively identified Neal as the perpetrator.  Neal was located at a residence in the Town of Bronson hours after the incident and taken into custody.

Cannon was arrested after a traffic stop and charged with Driving on a Suspended License and Violation of Probation.  He has a $15,000.00 bond for the license charge but no bond for the VOP.

Neal is also being held at the Levy County Detention Center without bond.  He is facing charges of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Firing into a Dwelling, two counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Criminal Mischief and Burglary of a Dwelling.  LCSO hopes that his hibernation will be longer this time.    

Sheriff McCallum stated that unfortunately this case demonstrates the problems that illegal drugs and repeat offenders continue to cause in our communities.  Any citizens who may have information regarding illegal drug activity are asked to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 or 911.  Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477.