GPD responds to 3 gun-related incidents in 2 days

Press release from Gainesville Police Department

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to 3 separate gun-related violent incidents in the past 2 days.

On Monday, September 21, 2020, at approximately 6:00 p.m., GPD responded to a disturbance at 404 S. Main Street. Investigation revealed that Julian R. Watson (DOB: 02/10/80), who was involved in a previous incident at the location, had returned to the premises and discharged one round from his shotgun into the air. Nobody was hurt during the incident. Watson has not been located.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at approximately 12:45 a.m., GPD was dispatched to 530 NE 21st Lane in reference to a person shot. After arriving to the scene, GPD officers located the victim and rendered aid. Afterwards, EMS transported the victim to UF Health Shands Hospital. At Shands, the victim identified Shaquille Tyson (DOB: 01/03/1996) as his assailant via a photo line-up. Tyson was later arrested for attempted homicide, aggravated battery, violation of temporary injunction, and shooting/throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling/vehicle. Tyson was transported to the Alachua County Jail, where he was booked.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at approximately 4:26 a.m., GPD responded to the 1600 block of SE 14th Avenue in reference to an armed disturbance. After arriving to the residence that reported the shots fired and canvassing the area, GPD officers located multiple bullet casings and several points of impact to the residence. The victims were unable to describe the subjects or the weapon(s) used, and no additional witnesses were located. Nobody was injured. GPD detectives are following up on several leads.

GPD continues its efforts to curb the recent rise in shootings, shots fired, and armed burglaries. In addition to partnering with multiple law enforcement agencies, GPD asks its neighbors to remain vigilant and contact 911 as soon as possible if you see or hear something that concerns you. GPD remains ready to respond to all of our neighbor’s calls for service as we serve and protect our community.

If anyone has information about the shooting at the 1600 block of SE 14th Avenue on September 22, 2020, please contact GPD Detectives at 352-393-7670, or remain anonymous by reporting information to Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7687 or https://www.stopcrime.tv/.