Leesburg, FL man convicted of 2019 attempted murder of police officer

Office of the State Attorney,
William M. Gladson
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

On November 8, 2023, a jury rendered its verdict, finding 24 year-old Donaven Leon Owens, of Leesburg, Florida guilty of numerous charges relating to a December 3, 2019 incident that occurred in Leesburg. Owens faces a mandatory life sentence for attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, as well as sentencing for guilty verdicts of attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent.

In 2019, Owens, who was then 20 years-old, had aroused the suspicions of several residents, and he was the primary suspect in a string of vehicle burglaries in the area.

On December 3, 2019, at approximately 12:25 a.m., officers with the Leesburg Police Department (LPD) were summoned to the intersection of Glenn Ridge Drive and Miller Street in Leesburg, Florida, due to a 911 report about a person - later determined to be Donaven Owens - brandishing a firearm.

A homeowner in the neighborhood - who previously had a firearm stolen from his vehicle - confronted Owens, who responded by pulling a loaded handgun from his backpack and threatening the victim with these words, "I'll give you what I owe you." Owens pointed the firearm at the victim's chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. The victim, in fear for his life, attempted to flee and called 9-1-1 while Owens made repeated attempts to dislodge the jam and fire again.

An officer with the LPD arrived as Owens was attempting to flee the area. He ordered Owens to show his hands. Owens turned toward the police officer and opened fire, discharging four rounds at the officer. During an exchange of gunfire, the officer fell and suffered a head injury. A bullet fired by Owens narrowly missed the officer, striking the officer's patrol car where he'd been standing just before he fell. Owens abandoned his by-then-empty firearm under a vehicle and fled from the area.

Additional officers quickly arrived to assist the downed officer and took Owens into custody. Officers recovered the discarded firearm.

In a post-Miranda statement, Owens admitted he'd pulled a gun on the citizen and also confessed that he'd shot at the officer in an attempt to avoid arrest. These incidents were further corroborated by neighborhood surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies presented before the jury. Owens also had a conviction as a juvenile, for armed burglary of a dwelling, that prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.

"The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office commends the bravery and dedication of the law enforcement officers involved in this dangerous case," said William "Bill" Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. "Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to the community for their vigilance and thank those jurors for bringing this case to a just conclusion. Individuals with a lengthy and dangerous criminal history, like Owens, are a danger to our community and should not be able to roam freely victimizing others."

The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the efforts of Assistant State Attorney Cherish Adams, who was appointed as Judge in Orange County Court on October 25 by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Here's a link to a video detailing the Dec. 3, 2019 incident: https://www.facebook.com/FLSAO5th/posts/pfbid02sQFzhJSCTXM9Zz44zL9371xD4Tt3oLavTstA5XLAZvF1LTUFiByd6eEQ8deNAkNHl?__cft__[0]=AZXOJbn3Ldn3xR5rLplRiOneuuQwJo2eslz8gtB3KRozBYxAFaJhnR5qatBZatZAv71JbzhZjMWIWagjpNMWMu6EHYficG_CTy1oX9bGFzv2hu2IIq10Nbdl0sMFCHwZvdAA-LjPMmifZkzz3TqNZ4HcK-iRpm5JB5tlptyjhACeoApDD-rpadbirHG2_snTUU0&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R.