October 17, 2022
Levy County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in solving two recent crimes which occurred in the East Williston community. Detectives responded to a report of a shooting in late September near County Road 318, the main thoroughfare of this subdivision. That investigation did not immediately identify all parties involved in the incident, mostly due to a lack of cooperation from witnesses. This investigation is still on-going.
Detectives later learned a conflict between two groups of young men who reside in East Williston was the reason for the exchange of gunfire. Since this incident, additional intelligence discovered by law enforcement has identified more indiscriminant gunplay has occurred but was not reported.
On Wednesday, October 12th multiple LCSO and Williston Police Department units responded to County Road 318 to reports of more gunfire. Law enforcement identified multiple parties exchanged gunfire resulting in one person being struck. This is the second time this same individual has been injured by gunfire. He was previously shot during a drug transaction gone wrong. The injured person was uncooperative with law enforcement and this investigation has stalled.
LCSO Detectives have recovered over 70 fired shell casings from weapons to include .223 rifle rounds and various handguns during these two investigations. Detectives identified a person of interest whom they want to question. This individual, a 15 year old East Williston resident known locally by his nick name “Gucci”, has a current warrant for his arrest for violation of probation.
The violence between these two groups appears to be escalating and their total disregard for the safety of any other person is of grave concern for the Sheriff’s Office. This most recent exchange of gunfire resulted in an innocent person’s vehicle being damaged. Crime scene investigators noticed a stray bullet shattered the back window of this vehicle and the bullet lodged next to a child’s car seat. Thankfully no one was in the vehicle at the time the bullets were being fired. We again are seeking the assistance of this community to help bring an end to this violence. Anyone who wishes to give us a tip can contact Detective Rob Bowers at 352-486-5111 ext 266. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.