Ocala man fires gun during verbal spat with neighbor

An argument with an elderly neighbor led to the arrest of a 63-year-old Ocala man after he allegedly pulled out a revolver and fired several shots.

On Thursday, April 3, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on NW 49th Court in Ocala in reference to shots beings fired during a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, they made contact with a man, Lance Wesley Tidwell, who admitted to “shooting into the ground” with a revolver, according to the arrest report.

A deputy noted in the report that Tidwell was acting “belligerent (and) standoffish,” and he was detained in handcuffs. After being read his Miranda rights, Tidwell refused to discuss the incident.

The male victim told deputies that Tidwell’s airboat had been running prior to the incident, and “leaves were flying all into (the victim’s) yard.” The report stated that Tidwell’s property and the victim’s property are separated by a fence.

According to the victim’s statement, an argument ensued, and Tidwell shouted loudly at the victim while making the following “violent” threats:

• “Bring your (expletive) here, mother (expletive).”
• “I’ma knock your (expletive) out.”
• “I’ll beat your (expletive) face off, bud.”

During the argument, Tidwell allegedly produced a short silver gun, pointed it at the ground beside him, and fired a few shots into the ground, according to the report.

A witness showed the deputies video footage of the incident, which captured the argument but ended before any shots were fired. The report indicated that Tidwell and the victim were “bickering,” with Tidwell “clearly instigating the matter.”

While viewing the footage, a deputy mentioned in the report that the victim was “not armed with any weapons or any other items.”

Tidwell’s girlfriend was at the incident location and informed deputies that she owned a silver .38 Special revolver. The firearm was confiscated by the deputies, and the report stated that it contained three spent shell casings.

Tidwell was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

A court date for Tidwell has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.