Alachua County, FL – The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 81-year-old John Webb following a disturbing incident in which he allegedly opened fire on multiple individuals during a property dispute. The incident occurred at a residence where the victims had arrived to perform cleaning duties in preparation for the home’s sale.
According to the arrest report, the victims were surprised to find Webb’s vehicle parked in the driveway of the property. Webb was reportedly not authorized to be at the location, which led to a tense confrontation. One of the victims, sensing potential danger, began recording the encounter on a mobile phone.
The situation quickly escalated. Upon being approached, Webb allegedly produced a firearm and fired a round into the ceiling inside the home. As the victim attempted to back away from the confrontation, Webb reportedly made a chilling statement: “No don’t move, you got to die first.”
Panicked, the victims attempted to escape the scene in their vehicle. However, Webb is accused of opening fire on the car, striking it multiple times. According to the arrest report, the vehicle was rendered inoperable after Webb allegedly targeted the radiator with gunfire. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported, though the victims were visibly shaken and traumatized by the encounter.
Following his arrest, Webb gave a statement to investigators in which he claimed the victims had been “harassing” him. Court records detail that Webb admitted to firing a warning shot into the air before intentionally shooting at the vehicle to prevent them from leaving. “They come in threatening me and I fired a shot in the air, then fired some into the radiator of their car,” he allegedly told investigators.
Webb now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. The case has raised concerns about escalating tensions during property disputes, particularly when firearms are involved.
Authorities have not released further details regarding Webb’s legal status in relation to the property or any past history with the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
This case serves as a grim reminder of how rapidly a disagreement can turn violent, and it underscores the importance of de-escalation and legal resolution in property and civil disputes. Webb is currently in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
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