Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate a shooting that occurred in the area of 104th Court and 119th Street. The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 30, 2022 when a witness reported hearing multiple gunshots. Deputies were informed that one person was shot and the suspect fled the scene.
Based on preliminary information, a 32 year-old female victim advised that 32 year-old Desmond Wilson of Largo, forcefully entered her home and bedroom through a side door. The victim stated that Wilson pointed a handgun at her head, struck her, sexually battered her and threatened to kill her. The victim cried out for help and was able to escape the bedroom when her friend confronted Wilson. Investigators say that Wilson is known to the victim.
During the investigation, a witness on-scene explained an altercation was heard coming from the bedroom and the female victim screamed for help. One witness on-scene stated several people ran to the bedroom and confronted Wilson. When Wilson was confronted, he threatened them with a firearm. Detectives say, when Wilson confronted the witnesses with his firearm, 38-year-old Jharfvan Thomas of Jacksonville, exited the residence to retrieve his personal firearm for protection. When Thomas returned to the residence, Wilson shot at Thomas and Thomas shot back. During the incident, Thomas sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Wilson fled the scene in a vehicle.
According to detectives, deputies were able to obtain Wilson’s vehicle description. Deputies were able to locate the suspect vehicle and take Wilson into custody in the area near his home at 106th Avenue and 105th Street. Deputies called for paramedics to respond as Wilson also sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his arm. Deputies located a firearm in Wilson’s vehicle.
Once released from the hospital, Wilson was transported to the Sheriff’s Administration Building and interviewed by detectives. Following the interview, Wilson was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where he is being held on charges of Armed Sexual Battery, Attempted Murder, and Domestic Battery by Strangulation.
The investigation continues.