Man dead after shooting at Inverness shopping plaza; susect charged with second degree murder

Citrus County Sheriff's Office

Citrus County, Florida - On Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) responded to the parking lot of the Colonial Plaza, a shopping center in Inverness, Florida, due to a call for service in regard to a shooting that had just occurred.

Deputies arrived at the location to find a man - later identified as 33 year-old Traske C. Johnson - in the parking lot with several gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.

The suspect, 35 year-old Dwann D. Ross, was also located at the scene of the incident. He was detained by deputies.

Detectives with the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division began an investigation into the shooting. They determined that the two men, who both operate separate businesses within Colonial Plaza, were involved in a physical altercation when Ross retrieved a handgun and shot Johnson several times.

"Citrus County Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputies reacted quickly to this shooting to ensure the safety of numerous citizens that were in Colonial Plaza this morning," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "They were able to assess the scene, detain the suspect, and arrange medical treatment for the victim, who unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The CCSO Criminal Investigation Division will closely partner with the Fifth Judicial Circuit (State Attorney's Office) to pursue justice for Johnson as this case progresses. My condolences go out to the family and community members affected by this senseless act of violence."

Following an interview at the Citrus County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center, Ross was charged with second degree murder and incarcerated at the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida. He will be held without bond, as per the bond schedule.