CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Eric William Johnson, 32, of Homosassa, Florida, is being held at the Citrus County Detention Center on a $201,000 bond, as the result of an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Patrol Division and Major Case Section (MCS).
According to deputies, on Wednesday, June 19th, Johnson, who was driven to the scene by Maynard David Selvog, arrived at a residence in Homosassa. Johnson exited the vehicle carrying what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle and knocked on the door of a camper while shouting “Citrus County Sheriff’s Department,” according to victims.
The rifle was later identified as an “Air-soft” rifle.
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While pointing the weapon at the victims, Johnson demanded that they exit the camper. Believing Johnson was an armed law enforcement officer, they complied. Once outside, Johnson kept both victims together at gunpoint.
The female victim attempted to call 9-1-1; however, Johnson took away the phone. While Johnson was distracted, the male victim ran to the nearest home for help, and noticed Selvog sitting in the driver seat of an SUV parked near the road.
Johnson chased after the male victim and kicked in the door of the home the victim entered. Once inside, a fight between the victim, the homeowner, and Johnson ensued.
The homeowner disarmed Johnson and struck Johnson’s head with the buttstock of the weapon. Johnson and Selvog then fled the property.
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Sheriff’s Office personnel located Selvog at another residence, who disclosed Johnson was hiding in a nearby shed. Deputies found Johnson, who was holding a gun to his head. After failed attempts to gain compliance, K-9 Deputy Elias released K-9 Odie to apprehend Johnson.
As K-9 Odie grabbed Johnson, he positioned his gun underneath K-9 Odie’s chin and pulled the trigger. When the gun malfunctioned, he reloaded the gun and pulled the trigger again.
After the second malfunction, the deputies moved in and gained control of Johnson.
After receiving treatment at Oak Hill Hospital for injuries, Johnson was charged with:
- Home invasion robbery while armed;
- Two counts of kidnapping to commit a felony;
- Burglary of a dwelling while armed;
- Aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older;
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon;
- Hinder, delay, or prevent communication to law enforcement;
- Impersonating law enforcement;
- Battery on police canines;
- Resisting law enforcement without violence.
Selvog was arrested and charged with:
- Home-invasion robbery while armed with a weapon;
- Principle in the first degree.
His bond was set at $50,000.
“Incidents like this are incomprehensible, and the fear this suspect put these victims through is unforgiveable,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast, “I am thankful none of the victims were seriously injured, and all law enforcement personnel made it home safely.”
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