Homosassa man arrested - driving around Inverness Christmas Parade barricades, striking deputy

Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)

Inverness, Florida - On Saturday afternoon, Decembe 11, Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a man driving recklessly in the outer perimeter of the Inverness Christmas parade.

While directing traffic, a deputy observed 25 year-old Aaron Williams, of Homosassa, Florida, drive recklessly into the intersection of U.S. Hwy 41 North and Montgomery Avenue. While attempting to stop Williams' vehicle, Williams drove directly at and struck a deputy, who fortunately suffered only minor injuries. Williams then ignored several other deputies who commandied him to stop, while swerving erratically around the barricades set out to prevent traffic on the parade route.

Nearby deputies converged at Williams' location and were able to contain him within the outer perimeter of the parade area. His vehicle was stopped, and Williams was placed under arrest, charged with one count of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and five counts of resisting an officer without violence. He was transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility, where his bon was set at $15,000, per the bond schedule.

"What should have been a fun-filled, festive parade was interrupted by a few moments of havoc for those who witnessed the chaos caused by Williams' careless and reckless actions," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Our deputies quickly recognized a threat to public safety and reacted immediately to Williams' erratic behavior. Even though Williams had a blatant disregard for public safety, our deputies' actions exemplified service above self when it comes to the safety of our community."

"Road barricades and temporary road closures at events are not there to inconvenience you; they serve the purpose of keeping event participants and spectators safe," said Alexandria Perkins, CCSO Media Specialist, in a press release. "Be patient, and if possible, avoid event areas altogether. For this reason, we posted maps of the parade route on social media, numerous times, and over the span of several days preceding the event, to help alert citizens to the change in traffic patterns.