Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault After Pulling Out Gun at Port Charlotte Beach
The beach is typically a relaxing spot to hang out and enjoy the scenery, but some beachgoers recently experienced a scary situation at Port Charlotte Beach.
A man has been arrested for threatening multiple people at Port Charlotte Beach over the weekend of August 8th and 9th. A Charlotte County Sheriff’s arrest report says the man pulled out a gun and threatened multiple beachgoers.
A family was fishing at Port Charlotte Beach Complex when a man and a dog approached them. The father grabbed a knife to protect himself from the dog. However, he never used the knife and did not even unsheathe it. The dog’s owner pulled out a gun from a cross-body bag and started aggressively yelling at the family before walking away.
The man then proceeded to pull the gun on two friends who were on the beach. One of the men said they heard the gun dry fire. The man had pulled the trigger and the gun’s magazine fell out. The man then put the magazine back in, pulled the slide back, and a round fell out of the side. The man then ran off.
A fourth victim said he was approached aggressively, with the man threatening to shoot him. The fourth victim pointed his fishing pole at the man, who told the victim that people can shoot you for that in Florida.
The man was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses, including four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill as well as one count of resisting an officer without violence.
Neighbors and beachgoers are in shock over the situation. They say that people are typically friendly and they had never had issues at Port Charlotte Beach. However, many of those interviewed have children and are not taking any chances. Mental health issues are becoming more prevalent and they will be more cautious in the future. Beachgoers have expressed relief that the man is now in jail.
The man was booked into Charlotte County Jail, with bond set at $31,000.
Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a serious criminal offense in Florida. Under Florida law, an aggravated assault occurs when a person commits an assault with a deadly weapon without intending to kill or commits an assault with the intent to commit a felony. The offense is generally classified as a third-degree felony.
An assault can become aggravated when a deadly weapon is involved. For example, a person could potentially face an aggravated assault charge after allegedly:
- Pointing a gun at another person.
- Displaying a firearm while making a threatening gesture.
- Threatening someone with a knife.
- Making a threat while possessing a weapon.
Contact Us Today
Firearms offenses are taken seriously in Florida. Misuse of a firearm can result in aggravated assault charges, which are felonies.
If you have been accused of such a crime, protect yourself with help from a Fort Myers firearms offense attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We understand the complexities of Florida’s firearms laws and will aggressively defend your rights. To schedule a consultation, call (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form.
Source:
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