Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder in Walmart Shooting

INVERNESS – The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is reporting the arrest of a man they say shot at two victims in a pickup truck at the Walmart located on E Gulf to Lake Highway.

The incident occurred Monday evening in the Walmart parking lot, where officials say 30-year-old Gavin Minden fired at least one shot through the rear of the victim's pickup truck, striking one of two victims in the back of the neck. Minden fled the scene and attempted to hide in a wooded area near the Lowes hardware store, but he was quickly apprehended by Sheriff's Deputies.

Officials say Minden and the victims were engaged in a brief verbal altercation prior to the shooting.

The victim was transported to a trauma center where they are listed in stable condition.

Minden is charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and one count of Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling.

"Minden's reckless actions in a public area not only endangered the lives of the two victims directly involved but also posed a serious threat to our citizens," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "I am proud of the teamwork between our deputies and aviation unit for swiftly locating and apprehending Minden, preventing him from further endangering our community."