Two arrested in E. Williston shooting; LCSO looking for third man
Mugshots of John Colton Barley, 23, left, and Kadaryl Leon Cannady, 22, right.
Levy County, Florida - On August 10, 2021, deputies, detectives and crime scene personnel from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Lincoln Heights subdivision in East Williston, Florida due to a reported shooting. During the initial 911 calls, the call takers could hear gunfire in the background. LCSO personnel were soon assisted by officers from the Williston Police Department, along with the Aviation Unit and Patrol and K-9 units from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies arrived, they found 23 year-old John Colton Barley of Williston, who was armed, standing on a vacant lot beside two vehicles. He was detained, and his firearm was seized as evidence.
Deputies learned that two other individuals were involved in the shooting, and they had already fled on foot. A perimeter was put in place by law enforcement personnel, and the search began on the ground, assisted by the Aviation Unit.
Deputies located 22 year-old Kadaryl Leon Cannady, hiding in an outbuilding approximately one-quarter mile south of the area where the shooting had occurred, suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm.
The third suspect, 22 year-old Gerald Renard Coleman, was not located.
Detectives with the LCSO's Criminal Investigation Division recovered a significant amount of physical evidence, which included firearms, ammunition, spent casings, blood, illegal drugs, and digital evidence, along with statements made by witnesses and the two suspects who were located. The evidence indicates that a significant number of rounds were fired during the incident.
Detectives believe that Cannady, Coleman and Barley and made arrangements, using social media, to meet at the vacant lot in Lincoln Heights to conduct an illegal drug deal, and during the meeting, Cannady and Coleman attempted to rob Barley. A press release stated that a physical struggle took place inside Mr. Barley's vehicle, to take possession of one of the firearms, and a shot was fired. Coleman and Cannady then fled on foot, with Barley firing at them; Cannady was wounded as he ran away.
Cannady was transported to an area hospital and released. On August 11, he was booked into the Levy County Detention Bureau on charges of armed robbery and failure to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge, with his bond set at $252,000.
On August 13, LCSO detectives arrested Barley. He was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault and firing a weapon in public, with his bond set at $1,250,000.
The investigation into Coleman’s role in the incident is continuing. Detectives are hoping to locate Mr. Coleman and question him, in order to hear his account of what happened.
"I was very glad that no innocent bystanders were struck by the gunfire," said Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum. "I encourage any citizens who may have information regarding illegal drug activity, and especially Coleman’s location, to contact LCSO at 352-486-5111 or 911. Reports can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-877-349-8477."