A man in Miami, known for a history of arrests related to violent offenses, was taken into custody on Easter Sunday after allegedly threatening a 65-year-old man with a firearm. The incident unfolded just past 11:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Northwest Seventh Avenue and Northwest 53rd Street. The victim managed to flag down a Miami Police Department officer and identified Wesley Cleveland Williams, age 37, as the individual who had menaced him with a gun.
Authorities reported that the confrontation began earlier that day when Williams accused the victim of littering, leading to a heated argument. The situation escalated when Williams allegedly struck the victim in the head. As the victim attempted to leave the scene, Williams purportedly returned to his residence, came back with a handgun, and threatened, “I’ll shoot you; I’ll shoot you right now.”
The victim recounted that after witnessing Williams return to his home near the 700 block of Northwest 53rd Street, he was able to attract the attention of a patrol officer. Upon the officer’s arrival, the victim relayed the details of the incident. Investigators confirmed that Williams’ listed address matched the location where he was believed to have retreated following the altercation.
A sworn audio-recorded statement from the victim detailed the threats made by Williams during their encounter. As part of the investigation, surveillance footage was obtained from Café Ruyi, a nearby business on 5300 NW Seventh Avenue. The video captured Williams walking down the street carrying a silver gun, corroborating the victim’s testimony.
Later that day, around 3:46 p.m., detectives sought to obtain a sworn statement from Williams. After being informed of his Miranda rights, he agreed to speak, explaining that the altercation began due to the litter accusation. Williams claimed he perceived a black object on the victim’s waistband, which made him feel threatened, prompting him to retrieve his own gun. He asserted that his threat was a reaction to fearing for his safety.
Williams’ criminal background reveals a pattern of violent behavior. Records indicate four felony convictions and his release from state prison in October 2011. He now faces charges that include aggravated assault with a firearm, battery on a person aged 65 or older, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and improper exhibition of a weapon or firearm. As of the following Monday, Williams remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, awaiting bond determination.