MIAMI, FL — 19-Year-Old Damarcus Amari Butler Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Armed Altercation in Marathon

MIAMI, FL — 19-Year-Old Damarcus Amari Butler Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Armed Altercation in Marathon

MIAMI, FL —  The community of Miami and the Florida Keys is grappling with the fallout of a disturbing and violent incident that unfolded in Marathon, Florida, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Authorities have arrested Damarcus Amari Butler, a 19-year-old Miami resident, who now faces multiple felony charges following a confrontation during which he allegedly pointed a stolen firearm at another man. The incident has raised serious concerns about escalating youth violence and illegal firearms in the region.

Swift Response by Law Enforcement

According to a report from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a tense and volatile scene after receiving a call regarding an altercation that involved a weapon. Witnesses informed authorities that a young man had brandished a gun during an argument and pointed it directly at another individual in a threatening manner. Fortunately, no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported at the scene.

Upon arrival, deputies located Butler and swiftly detained him without incident. During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement officers recovered a firearm that had previously been reported stolen, further intensifying the seriousness of the charges against him.

Charges and Legal Ramifications

Butler now faces an array of felony charges, which include but may not be limited to:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (if applicable)
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
• Grand Theft of a Firearm

The case has been turned over to the State Attorney’s Office, and Butler is expected to be arraigned in the coming days. Given the severity of the charges and the presence of a stolen weapon, prosecutors may seek to pursue the case aggressively. Authorities are also investigating the origin of the firearm and how it came into Butler’s possession, which may lead to further arrests or charges related to firearm trafficking.

Community Concerns and Broader Implications

The incident has sparked community concerns over youth violence, access to illegal weapons, and overall public safety. Marathon, known for its close-knit environment and peaceful atmosphere, has been rattled by this act of brazen aggression. Residents have expressed fears about the potential for future incidents if steps aren’t taken to address the underlying causes of such violence.

Law enforcement officials are also highlighting this case as a sobering reminder of the dangers of stolen firearms and the importance of community vigilance.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay of Monroe County stated in a press release:

“We’re fortunate this incident didn’t end in tragedy. Anytime a gun is pointed at another person, the potential for deadly consequences is very real. We’re committed to thoroughly investigating how a stolen firearm ended up in the hands of a young individual and will continue working with our community to prevent these types of crimes from occurring.”

The Path Forward

As Damarcus Amari Butler awaits further legal proceedings, his case becomes another cautionary example in the ongoing struggle to combat gun violence among youth in Florida. Officials are encouraging anyone with information about illegal firearms or this specific case to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys.

Parents, educators, and community leaders are also being urged to engage with local outreach and intervention programs aimed at deterring young individuals from getting involved in criminal activity. Programs that focus on conflict resolution, mental health support, education, and job training are seen as critical in shifting the trajectory of at-risk youth away from violence and incarceration.

Final Thoughts

Though the incident in Marathon could have resulted in tragedy, the quick and decisive action of law enforcement helped prevent further harm and ensured the suspect was taken into custody. Still, the questions that linger—about access to weapons, youth anger, and the erosion of public safety—must be answered with action.

As the legal process moves forward, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that proactive steps will be taken to prevent similar events from taking place in the future.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (305) 292-7000 or submit an anonymous tip through Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 1-800-346-TIPS (8477).