Crystal River firearm sale turns into robbery and shootout - 2 youths arrested, 3 injured
CCSO photo graphic.
Citrus County, Florida - On Friday, July 28, 2023, two robbery victims - enroute to a local hospital due to one of the victims being injured with a gunshot wound to his hip - contacted the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) to report an armed robbery and shooting that had occurred at their residence in Crystal River, Florida.
According to a CCSO press release, two Marion County, Florida residents, 20 year-old Savion Harris and 15 year-old Semaj Shackleford, had been driven to the victims' home to engage in what was assumed by the victims to be the private sale of several firearms. While the four were engaging in a discussion regarding the sale of the firearms, however, Shackleford pulled a pistol from his waistband, pointed it at the two victims, and stated, "This is a stick-up."
In response, one of the victims also pulled out a handgun and warned Shackleford to drop his weapon. Instead of dropping the weapon, Shackleford fired it, striking the male victim in the hip. The victim returned fire as he was falling to the ground, and Harris took this opportunity to flee, carrying with him several of victims' guns. The victim, fearing for his life and already shot by Shackleford, retrieved another nearby firearm and shot at the suspects as they fled from the home, carrying numerous firearms they were in the process of stealing from the victims.
After the initial 9-1-1 call was received from the victims, a second 9-1-1 call was received that requested the assistance of emergency medical services in a nearby area for two males with possible gunshot wounds. Deputies responded to the location given by the caller and located both suspects, and also a disabled vehicle that matched the vehicle described by the victims.
One of the suspects was transported to the hospital due to gunshot wounds. The other was treated on scene and immediately taken into custody.
As a result of the investigation, Harris was charged with armed robbery, with his bond set at $50,000.00
Shackleford was charged with attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. Shackleford is in custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and was being held without bond at the time of the press release.
"Selling items, especially firearms, can be dangerous," said Citrus Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "During private sales, you come into direct contact with complete strangers - of whom you have no knowledge of their character or moral fibers. While it may initially appear to be a straightforward transaction, there are inherent risks and potential consequences - like in this case. The seller needs to be aware of their moral and legal responsibilities, including safety concerns, all of which become intertwined into this seemingly simple but complex transaction."