Two men charged with armed home invasion robbery in Homosassa; one posing as a CCSO deputy
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - Two men were arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, as the result of an investigation by the agency's Patrol Division and Major Case Section (MCS). The arrestees are 32 year-old Eric William Johnson and 71 year-old Maynard David Selvog, both of Homosassa, Florida.
According to a CCSO press release, on Wednesday, June 19, Selvog drove Johnson to a Homosassa residence. Selvog stayed behind in the vehicle, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), while Johnson exited the vehicle, carrying what the victims thought was an AR-15 style rifle. It was later determined that the rifle was actually an Airsoft rifle.
Johnson knocked on the door of a camper, shouting "Citrus County Sheriff's Department," and then pointed the rifle at the victims, a man and a woman, demanding that they exit the camper. Since Johnson was armed and had stated that he was a law enforcement officer, the victims went outside as instructed, and Johnson kept them together at gunpoint.
The woman attempted to call 9-1-1, but Johnson took away her phone. While Johnson was distracted with the phone, the man ran to the nearest home for help, and noticed Selvog sitting in the driver's seat of an SUV parked near the road.
Johnson chased after the male victim, who entered a neighboring house. Johnson kicked in the door of the home the victim had entered and went inside, where a fight ensued between Johnson, the victim, and the homeowner. The homeowner disarmed Johnson and struck Johnson's head with the buttstock of the rifle. Johnson and Selvog then fled from the property on foot.
Law enforcement personnel located Selvog at a nearby residence. Selvog told deputies that Johnson was hiding in a nearby shed.
Deputies found Johnson, holding a gun to his head. When Johnson failed to comply with commands from deputies, K-9 Deputy Elias released his K-9 (canine) partner, Odie, to apprehend Johnson. As K-9 Odie grabbed Johnson, Johnson positioned his gun under Odie's chin and pulled the trigger; however, the gun malfunctioned. Johnson then reloaded the gun and again pulled the trigger, and once again, the rifle malfunctioned and failed to fire. After the second malfunction, the deputies moved in and gained control of Johnson, who was taken into custody.
After receiving treatment for his injuries at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida, Johnson was transported to the Citrus County Detention Center, charged with armed home invasion robbery, two counts of kidnapping to commit a felony, armed burglary of a dwelling, aggravated assault of a person 65 years of age or older, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; hindering, delaying or preventing communication to law enforcement; impersonating a law enforcement officer, battery of a police canine, and resisting law enforcement without violence. His bond was set at $201,000.
Selvog was also taken into custody and transported to the Citrus County Detention Center, charged with armed home invasion robbery, and principle in the first degree in the commission of a felony. His bond was set at $50,000.
"Incidents like this are incomprehensible, and the fear this suspect put these victims through is unforgiveable," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, "I am thankful none of the victims were seriously injured, and all law enforcement personnel made it home safely."