SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A 67-year-old man was arrested in Sumter County after deputies say a late-night encounter that began with an online connection escalated into a vehicle chase, a crash and a reported threat at gunpoint.
According to an arrest report, David Allen O’Brien, 67, is accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and four counts of aggravated battery stemming from an incident reported around 10:44 p.m. on July 21 near the area of Buena Vista Boulevard and El Camino Real.
What deputies say happened
Investigators said they received multiple 911 calls about a vehicle crash and a report that someone had a gun.
Deputies made contact with five people at the scene and learned O’Brien had a weapon, the report states. Everyone was checked by emergency medical personnel and later interviewed.
One of the victims, identified as a 21-year-old woman, told deputies she met O’Brien on Tinder and the two agreed to meet the night of July 21.
Investigators also said they learned that O’Brien had messaged the woman earlier this month, telling her he was “looking for a sugar baby.”
The report says O’Brien allegedly offered to pay her money “each visit,” and the two went shopping and to dinner before returning to his home in The Villages.
Deputies wrote that the victim later felt uncomfortable and contacted friends to pick her up. The report alleges O’Brien demanded money back and then chased the vehicle after she left with her sister and two friends.
“(O’Brien) told (the victim) that she should give the money back because that was not the agreement,” the arrest report states. “(She) made her way outside of the home, where she was waiting on her friends.”
Crash and alleged gun threat
Afterward, the victim got in the car with her friends and left the area, though O’Brien gave chase in his truck, deputies noted.
According to the report, the victims’ car was struck from behind in a roundabout, hit a pole, and was hit again—leaving it disabled. The victims got out and ran, the report states.
Investigators allege O’Brien pointed a Ruger .22 semi-automatic handgun at one of the victims and threatened to kill him if he didn’t get on the ground.
“(That victim) was on the ground face-down and noticed that (O’Brien) was distracted, so he was able to move to safety,” the report continues. “(O’Brien) then attempted to locate the other victims briefly until he heard law enforcement arriving.”
O’Brien was ultimately arrested and now faces charges of aggravated assault and battery.
Key details from the report
- Charges: Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; aggravated battery (4 counts)
- Suspect: David Allen O’Brien, 67
- Booking: Sumter County Detention Center on July 22
- Bond: Listed as no bond
O’Brien was taken to the Sumter County Jail without incident, according to the report.