A Port Charlotte man is in custody after allegedly firing a gun at two door-to-door salesmen who were leaving his property on Monday afternoon.
On Monday, May 19, two salesmen were canvassing Boabadilla Lane in Port Charlotte, attempting to sell solar panel packages. When they knocked on the door at 13379 Boabadilla Lane, they were met by a woman who, visibly upset, told them to leave. As the salesmen began to depart the property, they reportedly heard multiple gunshots and turned to see a man, later identified as 72-year-old William Mark Williams, pointing a gun in their direction. Williams then fired several more times toward them, though no one was hit.
The salesmen ran to a neighbor’s home, frantically seeking help. The neighbor allowed them into her backyard, and law enforcement was contacted. Deputies quickly arrived and detained Williams, whom the victims positively identified as the shooter. The neighbor corroborated the victims’ account, stating she had also heard several gunshots just before the men pounded on her door.
Sheriff Bill Prummell commented on the incident: “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 any time soon. 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.“
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Williams’ residence, where they located multiple firearms and ammunition. They also found a spent shell casing on the ground outside and one unspent casing in the grass. Williams declined to speak with detectives, requesting an attorney. He was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public. He is currently being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that they can verify the validity of salespeople and confirm if they have a permit. Concerns about potential county ordinance violations can be reported to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (941) 639-2101. The county ordinance on door-to-door selling can be viewed in the Municode Library.
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