Two shootings in E. Williston, FL under investigation by LCSO

Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)

East Williston (Levy County), Florida - The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is seeking the assistance of the public to help solve two recent crimes that occurred in East Williston.

In late September 2022, LCSO detectives responded to the area of County Road 318 - the main thoroughfare of the East Willison subdivision - due to the report of a shooting. The initial investigation did not identify all parties involved in the incident, mostly due to a lack of cooperation from witnesses. However, detectives later learned that a conflict between two groups of young men who reside in East Williston was the reason for the gunfire exchange. Detectives also learned that additional indiscriminant gunplay had occurred that had not been reported.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, numerous law enforcement units with the LCSO and Williston Police Department (WPD) responded to County Road 318, near NE 212th Court, due to reports of more gunfire. Law enforcement personnel identified numerous people who had exchanged gunfire that resulted in one person being struck by gunfire. According to an unsubstantiated report, this gunshot victim is a 21 year-old male who was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

"This is the second time this same individual has been injured by gunfire," said LCSO Lt. Scott Tummond. "He was previously shot during a drug transaction gone wrong. The injured person was uncooperative with law enforcement, and this investigation has stalled."

During investigations into these two incidents, LCSO detectives recovered more than 70 spent shell casings fired from weapons which include 0.223 rounds fired from a rifle and others fired from various handguns.

"Detectives identified a person of interest whom they want to question," said Lt. Tummond. "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," added Lt. Tummond. "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."

The LCSO is seeking the assistance of this community to help bring an end to this violence. Anyone who wishes to give detectives a tip is urged to contact Detective Rob Bowers at 352-486-5111, extension 266. If you'd like to provide a tip and remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.