ORANGE COUNTY, FL – The office of the State Attorney of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida announces that Avery Williams has been found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a firearm after a deputy-involved shooting in late 2021 at an Orange County apartment complex.

On December 26, 2021, just after 6 p.m., deputies responded to 5427 Spring Hill Drive #1 for an unknown emergency. They were later advised that shots were fired at the location. Moments after arriving on scene, the defendant, Avery Williams, was located and ran off after seeing sheriffs’ deputies. Two deputies engaged in a foot pursuit at that time, ordering him to stop. Defendant Williams continued fleeing throughout the complex. Williams initially evaded a taser deployment, but it was later shown on body cam that he was observed turning around and pointing a firearm at the two deputies. It was revealed in court that the firearm had malfunctioned at that time. In response, a second deputy opened fire on Williams, who continued to flee, losing contact with the two deputies.

A third deputy who had responded to the scene encountered the suspect again and chased him after he ran. The third deputy gave Williams commands to “show me your hands” and “drop the gun” who ran to hide, laying down in some bushes in a breezeway. The deputy located Williams again who raised his hand to fire but was shot several times by the deputy. Additional deputies arrived on scene to provide immediate first aide and take Williams into custody.

After a three-day trial, concluding Wednesday afternoon, an Orange County jury found Williams guilty as charged on both counts, with the special finding for actual possession of a firearm. A Pre-sentencing Investigation has been ordered because Williams is considered a habitual felony offender, a habitual violent felony offender and could be a prison release reoffender. He will be sentenced on November 16.

“We put this case in the hands of the jury, who agree that violent criminals, who threaten the lives of law enforcement have no place in our community,” said State Attorney Andrew A. Bain. “We remain committed to our resolve that violent offenders must be delt with properly.”