Punta Gorda man accused of pointing gun at workers and threatening to kill them

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)—A Punta Gorda man was arrested after being accused of pointing a gun at workers, threatening to kill them and calling them derogatory, racist names.

Just after 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, Charlotte County deputies responded to Sabalwood Drive in Punta Gorda in reference to multiple 911 calls reporting two men with firearms pointed at each other.

According to witness statements, one of the men retreated back to his property upon hearing the approaching sirens and hid the firearm prior to the deputies arriving. That man was identified as Shelton H. Roy Jr., 68.

As deputies approached, they observed Roy attempting to leave the area. They say Roy ignored lawful commands to stop as deputies were securing the scene. For the safety and security of everyone involved, Roy was then taken to the ground and handcuffed for the duration of the investigation.

The investigation revealed that two men were on the adjoining property to Roy's residence and were contracted to install a fence. While unloading materials, Roy allegedly approached and began calling them racist names and threatening to kill them if they continued trying to install the fence.

He sat on the tailgate of an abandoned truck on his property, approximately 10 feet from where the work was to be done, continuing his verbal assault and threats. After this verbal confrontation went on for some time, Roy then allegedly produced a silver revolver, pointing the weapon at the men.

The victims took cover behind their truck, with one of them calling 911 and the other retrieving his own firearm from the vehicle in self-defense. Deputies arrived soon after. Witness statements from individuals not involved with the incident supported the claims of the victims. Additionally, one of the witnesses took a photograph showing Roy holding the firearm, which they provided to the detectives on scene.

A search warrant was obtained for the property, and the loaded silver revolver was located on the backseat of a vehicle in the front yard of Roy's property. Roy was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer without violence.

"With the 250th anniversary of our beautiful nation approaching, there is much to celebrate and a few regrets," Sheriff Bill Prummell said. "Perhaps the biggest regret we have is the matter of racism."

"This issue should be long gone by now, but it occasionally still rears its ugly head," Prummell said. "This individual chose to embrace that vile part of our history. There is no place for it in our country, and especially not in Charlotte County. It is an evil for which I have no tolerance."

A hate crime enhancement has been added due to the repeated racial slurs made by Roy during the incident, including during his own recorded 911 call.

Roy is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.