A Florida man landed behind bars after allegedly firing multiple gunshots at two door-to-door solar panel salesmen as they were leaving his property on Monday, May 19. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
William Mark Williams, 71, of Port Charlotte, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public. He is currently being held without bond at the Charlotte County Jail.
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According to reports, two salesmen were canvassing Boabadilla Lane in Port Charlotte, attempting to sell solar panel packages when they approached Williams’ residence. Upon knocking, they were reportedly met by a woman who expressed displeasure at their presence and instructed them to leave.
As the salesmen began to depart the property, they suddenly heard several gunshots. Turning, they saw Williams allegedly pointing a firearm in their direction and then firing multiple additional rounds towards them.
The salesmen, unharmed but undoubtedly shaken, immediately fled to a neighbor’s home, frantically seeking cover and assistance. The neighbor allowed them to move to her backyard and contacted law enforcement.
Deputies arrived on the scene and detained Williams, who the victims positively identified as the shooter. The neighbor also corroborated the victims’ account, confirming she had heard multiple gunshots just prior to the salesmen seeking her help.
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“Once again, we are called out to a neighborhood in which a firearm was discharged recklessly. Thankfully, nobody was hurt by this individual’s actions, though I am sure the victims will not forget the fear they felt anytime soon,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “This man’s response to solicitors was absolutely uncalled for and could have been deadly. I pray that people can learn to regulate their emotions instead of jumping to violence so quickly.”
Following the incident, detectives obtained a search warrant for Williams’ residence. Inside, they located multiple firearms and ammunition. On the ground outside, investigators found a spent shell casing and an unspent casing in the grass, further supporting the victims’ claims.
Williams reportedly declined to speak with the detectives, instead requesting an attorney.
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