Due to racial allegations, LCSO explains the differences between the Open House and Block Parties
Many of our citizens are angered and confused by the two recent shooting incidents that occurred in the Williston area. We share some of the citizens’ frustration. The facts of every case are different, and not all statutes apply in all cases. Criminal investigations take time in order to protect the rights of the victims and the accused. The 24 hour news cycle and the ability to make instantaneous statements on social media help create unrealistic expectations among some members of the public.
We offer the following information to clarify some of the current confusion:
The first incident occurred after a juvenile published an invitation on Social Media on Friday, August 28, 2020. The invite went out during the afternoon, and it promoted a party at his home that night. Approximately 60 juveniles came to this party held at a private residence out of view of the public.
No complaints regarding this party were received by the sheriff’s office until a shooting occurred. Responding deputies observed that alcohol was being consumed on the property by juveniles while under the supervision of the homeowner. The homeowner and juvenile son that organized the party were charged with a violation of Florida Statute 856.015 (5) Contributing to the Delinquency of a MINOR by hosting an open house party where serious injury resulted. This statute only applies when the party is held at a residence. Attendance at this house party was clearly culturally diverse.
LCSO detectives investigating the house party identified the shooting suspect with the assistance of witnesses at the scene. Later, the detectives obtained positive identification of the suspect by the victim who had been shot. No press release was issued at that time in order to protect the security of the investigation.
On September 1, 2020 during the late night hours, the black male juvenile suspect responsible for the shooting was arrested in Marion County. At that time, he was found to be armed with a stolen firearm. It is currently unknown if that firearm was also the one used during the Levy County shooting. After the suspect was taken into custody, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office then issued a press release on the morning of September 1, 2020.
As to the second party, on Saturday September 4, 2020, a gathering of approximately 500-750 people occurred in the area of the county, east of the City of Williston. The gathering began after 10:00 p.m. and was set up on commercial property located at 4011 NE 205 Avenue.
The organizer advertised the gathering as a “protest,” but there was no indication during the event that it was anything other than a block party. Prior to the gathering, the organizer challenged law enforcement on social media to try to disrupt it. Once the party started, the county roads coming into the area were heavily congested until the shooting began.
Numerous 911 calls were received by LCSO reporting the shooting. Deputies responded to the scene and began their investigation. They determined that six people were shot and injured. All of the shooting victims required hospitalization. None of the victims were residents of Levy County. The shooter or shooters have not been identified. The investigation remains active and the LCSO continues to seek the assistance of the public in identifying the suspects.
Throughout these two investigations, the Williston protest organizer made numerous statements saying the events were handled differently. We agree, the cases were handled differently. He erroneously attributes the differences in the way the cases were handled to the racial makeup of those involved. In reality, the investigations were not the same because the specific facts in each case were very different.
Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum reported to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners this week that the LCSO has and will continue to protect and serve all the citizens and visitors in Levy County. The Sheriff further stated that all citizens are guaranteed, by the U.S. Constitution, equal protection under the law.
The LCSO has an established process for investigating complaints against any members, including those who may be accused of discrimination. Significant civil and criminal remedies are available to anyone who can prove that they were the victim of discrimination by any criminal justice agency. The social media allegations of racial discrimination by this agency are baseless.
The Levy County Sheriff's Office can be contacted by phone at (352) 486-5111. Know something you'd like to report, but wish to remain anonymous? Call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477.