Two solar panel salesmen faced an unexpected and dangerous encounter in Port Charlotte when a 72-year-old homeowner allegedly opened fire on them.
At a Glance
- A 72-year-old Florida man, William Mark Williams, was arrested for allegedly shooting at door-to-door salesmen.
- The incident occurred in Port Charlotte, Florida, on May 19, 2025.
- The salesmen managed to escape safely to a neighbor’s home.
- Williams faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful firearm discharge.
The Incident
On May 19, 2025, in Port Charlotte, Florida, William Mark Williams, aged 72, allegedly fired shots at two salesmen trying to leave his property. The encounter occurred on Boabadilla Lane when the salesmen, promoting solar panel packages, were confronted and told to leave by a woman at the residence. While they were attempting to exit, Williams reportedly fired at them.
The salesmen ran to a nearby neighbor’s home and called 911. Sheriff deputies quickly arrived, arresting Williams after the salesmen identified him as the shooter. Authorities discovered multiple firearms and both spent and unused ammunition casings at his residence.
Legal Consequences
William Mark Williams now faces serious legal ramifications. Charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public, he remains detained without bond in the Charlotte County Jail. Despite the gravity of the charges, Williams refused to speak to detectives, requesting an attorney instead.
“Once again we are called out to a neighborhood in which a firearm was discharged recklessly,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Thankfully, nobody was hurt by this individual’s actions, though I am sure the victims will not forget the fear they felt any time soon.” – Sheriff Bill Prummell
Although no one was harmed during the incident, the situation underscores the potential dangers of door-to-door sales, especially in confrontational scenarios. As tensions can escalate unexpectedly, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of such encounters.
Community Reactions
The neighbor who called for help not only sheltered the salesmen but confirmed hearing the sound of gunfire. This cooperation with law enforcement ensured that the situation did not result in injuries or further escalations. The local community remains on alert, as incidents involving firearms disturb the peace of close-knit neighborhoods.
“Once again we are called out to a neighborhood in which a firearm was discharged recklessly,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Thankfully, nobody was hurt by this individual’s actions, though I am sure the victims will not forget the fear they felt any time soon.”
While Williams is held in custody, the incident has sparked discussions within the community about safety, the role of firearms, and the challenges faced by individuals involved in door-to-door sales. The sheriff’s office continues to urge residents to handle such engagements with caution and to report any threatening behavior immediately.
