Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Last night, 27-year-old Darius Yarnell Wilson was taken into custody following an incident where he allegedly forced his way into two family members’ home, assaulted one of them, and subsequently fired shots at the residence as he departed.

On July 29, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived at the scene and discovered that several gunshots had been fired into the home. According to one of the victims, around 4:45 p.m., Wilson showed up at their home unannounced, demanded his possessions, and attempted to enter through the front door. When the victim opened the door, Wilson allegedly pushed her down, pinned her to the ground, and banged her head against the floor multiple times. The second victim intervened by pushing Wilson off, after which he allegedly retreated to his car parked behind the house. As he left, they claim to have heard several gunshots.

The victims stated they had not been in contact with Wilson since 2021 and insisted that he did not have any personal items at their residence, leaving them bewildered by his aggressive conduct.

A neighbor also reportedly heard a “loud commotion,” followed by multiple gunshots, but she did not see who fired the gun.

An investigation of the surrounding area reportedly uncovered 13 9mm shell casings near Wilson’s vehicle’s parking spot, and six more shells were located near the eastern side of the residence. A bullet was discovered in the second victim’s bedroom on the western side, suggesting it traversed the home’s entire length, passing through the first victim’s bedroom, the living room, and across the second victim’s room before striking a dresser.

A doorbell camera reportedly captured video of Wilson trying to enter the residence and “acting belligerently.”

Authorities found Wilson’s vehicle at Bellamy Grand Apartments (2625 SW 75th Street) around 7 p.m., thanks to a witness who provided his apartment number. Though Wilson allegedly refused permission to search his car, deputies noted a Smith & Wesson range bag was visibly inside, appearing to contain a gun. The vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant.

While being transported to jail, Wilson reportedly made threatening remarks to a deputy, saying, “I work for the DOC (Department of Corrections). I’m going to use law enforcement databases to find out where you live and rape all of your wives.” He allegedly did not disclose any details about his employment when questioned by Court Services.

Wilson has been charged with burglary with battery, burglary of an occupied dwelling, six counts of firing into a dwelling, and 12 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has no criminal history. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.