OVIEDO, Fla. – An Oviedo man is facing a felony charge after deputies say he pulled out a gun and pointed it at a community manager during a dispute over homeowners association violations.
John Etzler was arrested Monday afternoon by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.
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News 6 learned of the incident through its neighborhood network, a viewer-submitted tip that a Palm Valley community resident had been arrested and removed from the management office after entering armed and threatening staff.
According to the arrest report, Etzler entered the Palm Valley subdivision community office at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday to discuss multiple HOA violations he had received related to the condition of his property.
The community manager told Etzler he needed to communicate through an attorney rather than visiting the office directly. That’s when, according to the report, Etzler allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at her.
Fearing for her life, the manager swiped the gun away and ran out of the office to seek safety, the report states. Etzler then left and returned to his home, where deputies took him into custody.
When News 6 visited the community office Wednesday, the door was locked and a sign indicated the office was closed.
Neighbors said they received an email from management describing the closure as a precautionary measure following a recent “security incident.”
“I was shocked, obviously,” one neighbor said. “It’s just quiet and it just feels safe. So, I hope it remains that way.”
Palm Valley Regional Management confirmed the incident in an email to residents, a copy of which was obtained by News 6 through its neighborhood network.
“We can confirm that a resident threatened a member of our staff and displayed a weapon in the community office,” the email reads. “Law enforcement responded immediately, and an arrest was made.”
Management said the office closure is a precautionary measure to support staff and allow time to evaluate additional security measures. Until further notice, residents are asked to contact the office by phone or email and to refrain from approaching staff working outdoors or in community common areas.
“Threats, intimidation, harassment, and abusive behavior toward our team members will not be tolerated,” the email states.
Management also noted it is evaluating all options available under the lease and applicable law, though it declined to identify the individual involved, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Etzler appeared before a judge on Tuesday afternoon. Court records show he was granted a $3,500 bond and given orders not to possess any weapons or firearms.