DIXIE COUNTY, Florida – An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested after authorities say he assaulted multiple women and threatened to shoot people during an early morning disturbance in Dixie County.
According to an arrest report from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 3:37 a.m. on May 29 to a residence on Northeast 234th Avenue in Cross City, FL, regarding a verbal disturbance involving a man and several women.
Investigators identified the suspect as 28-year-old Leviticus Murray, a deputy employed by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office since December 2025.
Witnesses told deputies Murray had been at a bar in Fanning Springs earlier in the evening before being picked up by friends. According to the report, one woman was preparing to go to the hospital because she believed she was going into labor when Murray asked to stop at another residence.
The situation allegedly escalated after Murray began flirting with another woman outside the home. Witnesses told investigators Murray became aggressive when others attempted to intervene.
One victim reported that Murray grabbed her by the hair and neck before striking her near the ribs. Another woman told deputies Murray grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a vehicle, and later threw her to the ground.
A third woman alleged Murray punched her with a closed fist after she told him to stop fighting.
According to the report, multiple witnesses stated Murray threatened to “shoot everyone” during the altercation before leaving the area on foot. Witnesses told deputies they knew Murray was a law enforcement officer and believed he typically carried a firearm, causing them to fear the threat could be carried out.
Deputies later located Murray walking nearby. The report states Murray told deputies he had been attacked and identified himself as an Alachua County deputy. He also told investigators he was not carrying a firearm and that his guns were secured at his home.
A K-9 search of the area was conducted, but no firearms were located.
Murray was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery.
Following the arrest, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office announced Murray had been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the allegations.
As with all criminal cases, Murray is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.