Press Release
Fernandina Beach Police Department
James T. Hurley, Chief
June 15, 2017 6:07 p.m.
At 5:16 this morning police officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired in the area of the Peck Center. An individual at the scene claimed to be a victim, saying that another man fired six to eight shots at him as he ran from the residence at 619 South 10th Street. Officers confirmed that the suspect then went into the home, but police were denied access. Those inside the residence broke communication with police and refused to come out, turning this incident into a tense standoff between police and an armed barricaded subject.
Residents in the immediate area were evacuated for their protection and others were ordered to shelter in place. Deputies from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the FBPD with perimeter security as this standoff continued for about two hours. Police officials were able to establish communication with the suspect and confirm that several people, including small children, were still inside the residence. The suspect eventually agreed to send the occupants outside and then he surrendered without further incident.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the suspect, Steve Euvell Williams, was engaged in a verbal altercation with another man, identified as Thomas Cedrick Neal, which turned physical. As the confrontation escalated Williams went to the house and retrieved a gun and then chased Neal while firing the weapon at him. Investigators located six shell casings consistent with victim and witness testimony. A search warrant was secured and executed for the residence and a .380 semi-auto handgun and ammunition was recovered, as was a sawed-off shotgun, powder and crack cocaine, and illegal prescription narcotics.
Williams was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Additional charges are pending the outcome of this investigation.
Lord have mercy.