A 65-year-old Marion man is facing several felony charges after he allegedly fired a gun at his longtime girlfriend and her friends while they were attempting to move her belongings out of a Marion County residence.
On Friday, May 29, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested Citra resident William John Schreiber for his alleged involvement in a domestic disturbance that occurred the previous evening. According to an arrest report, MCSO deputies responded to the incident location after receiving a call from a man who stated that Schreiber had fired a gun at him and a female victim.
The caller, along with another eyewitness, arrived at the home to help the victim move out after Schreiber allegedly declared she could no longer reside there. The victim informed deputies that Schreiber was her longtime boyfriend, and they had resided at the incident location for five years.
The situation reportedly escalated when the victim went inside the residence to check on her pets and inform Schreiber that she was removing her items. A verbal argument ensued, and Schreiber allegedly threatened to shoot anyone she brought to the home.
Cellphone footage recorded by an eyewitness reportedly captured Schreiber holding a small firearm and yelling profanities, telling the individuals they needed to leave or he was “gonna shoot” them.
As the woman and her friends began to walk away, Schreiber allegedly pointed the firearm in their direction and fired a single round. Two other individuals, who were waiting nearby to assist with the move, told law enforcement they heard screaming followed by a gunshot before calling for help.
When initially questioned by deputies, Schreiber denied possessing a firearm or firing a weapon. After being confronted with evidence, he eventually admitted to firing a round but claimed he aimed at the ground between his porch pillars, according to the report.
Schreiber allegedly told deputies that if he had intended to shoot someone, he “would not have missed.” He was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail. While en route, he reportedly stated that he “should have shot them while they were in his house.”
Jail records show that Schreiber remained in custody until Tuesday, June 9, when he was released after posting bond. He is being charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and one count of possessing or using a weapon during the commission of a felony.
Schreiber is scheduled to appear in a Marion County courtroom at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30. He is being represented by Ocala-based attorney Anthony Michael Tatti, according to court records.