GILT Orlando Nightclub Shooting

GILT Orlando Nightclub Shooting

GILT Orlando Nightclub Shooting

On Wednesday, August 19, 2018, a shooting outside of an Orlando nightclub resulted in one man in police custody and another in the hospital fighting for his life.

Peter Palacios, 23, was arrested after shooting another man as the two spent the night at Orlando nightclub, GILT, near Bennett Road. The incident happened at around 2:30 a.m., with police arriving on the scene in minutes to arrest Palacios.

Palacios told police that he was merely defending himself after a fight occurred between him and the other man. However, witnesses told police an entirely different story, resulting in Palacios’ arrest.

The victim, who was not named, is expected to survive his ordeal.

Witness Testimony Changes the Case

Police arrived at the scene when witnesses called 911 to report a fight. As officers arrived at the scene of the incident, they heard multiple gunshots emanating from the parking lot and saw one man running in their direction according to the arrest affidavit. The man running towards them had a bullet wound.

Palacios was spotted kneeling beside a silver vehicle, shooting rounds toward the fleeing victim. Police officers then lunged toward him but hid behind another car to get out of the line of fire. Cops eventually subdued the shooter, finding him sitting in the passenger seat of a dark gray Nissan.

Detectives charged Palacios with aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a firearm. Testimony states that Palacios was sitting in his silver vehicle when he began to fire multiple rounds. The victim was shot in the shoulder as Palacios opened fire, right before authorities arrived.

As an official handcuffed him, Palacios told the police that he was defending himself because “they had guns and shot at him.” Bystanders have a different story.

According to the victim and other onlookers, Palacios pulled up next to the victim’s car and began trying to talk up the women in that car. The conversation did not go well for Palacios. The victim says that the women told Palacios to “leave them alone,” which is when Palacios pulled out a gun and began shooting at the other car.

Police Arrive Just in Time to Make Arrests

Palacios was taken into custody and identified by an eyewitness who was near the parking lot at the time of the Bennet Road shooting.

When the situation had calmed down, and law enforcement took control, authorities searched the suspect’s vehicle, finding a black handgun and a magazine.

Palacios was placed in custody at Orange County Jail and held without bail.

Orlando Aggravated Assault Charges

Aggravated assault is a crime in and of itself, but the use of a deadly weapon enhances the penalties of the charge. Florida §784.021 dictates that those who are found guilty of aggravated assault will be charged with a third-degree felony.

Possession of a firearm when committing a crime includes minimum sentencing under Florida state law. Mandatory minimum penalties for assault or battery with possession of a firearm or deadly weapon include:

  • Assault with firearm/deadly weapon: Minimum 3 years prison.
  • Battery with firearm/deadly weapon: Minimum 10 years prison.
  • Assault or Battery with Semi-Auto weapon or machine gun: Minimum 15 years prison.

Discharging a weapon during the crime exacerbates these penalties and can incur serious legal trouble. If found guilty of discharging a weapon during an aggravated assault, defendants may face a minimum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Following an Aggravated Assault Arrest

If you are charged with aggravated assault, contact a lawyer immediately. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can face maximum penalties that will change your life.

The Umansky Law Firm carefully reviews each case and works alongside the accused to create a comprehensive defense strategy. Our lawyers have a combined experience of over 100 years and can help you navigate the legal process following your charge. We work carefully to receive the best possible outcome for our clients.

To speak with our firm about your aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in Orlando, contact us.

GILT Orlando Nightclub Shooting
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