Florida Man Waves Gun At Bartenders Who Told Him Bar Was Closing

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Florida man is behind bars after a late-night incident at a Mount Dora bar where he allegedly threatened bartenders with a firearm as they were closing for the night.

(Photo: Lake County Sheriffs Office)

Florida Man Waves Gun At Bartenders Who Told Him Bar Was Closing

Carlton Lacey, 39, of Lake County, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. The arrest took place early Sunday morning, according to an affidavit from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The incident occurred at Big Dog Saloon around 2:15 a.m. when deputies were called to the bar in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with two bartenders who recounted the encounter with Lacey.

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The Drunk Man Pulled A Gun On Bartenders

According to the affidavit, one of the bartenders informed patrons that the bar was closing. Lacey then allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and asked, "Who needs to leave?" while waving the weapon in her direction. When the second bartender asked Lacey to leave, he reportedly pointed the gun at her chest and threatened her, saying, "Keep playing with me, b****."

Multiple witnesses corroborated the bartenders' accounts, stating they saw Lacey brandishing the gun inside and outside the establishment.

Deputies found Lacey in the parking lot, but he reportedly attempted to flee. Thanks to the bartenders providing a description and the license plate of the car Lacey arrived in, deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop nearby. Inside the car were three men, including one who matched Lacey's description. After a brief pursuit, Lacey was subdued with a taser and taken into custody.

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Capturing Lacey

Despite Lacey's denial of possessing a gun or threatening the bartenders, and the deputies' inability to locate a firearm in the vehicle or the area Lacey fled through, he remains in custody. His bond has been set at $21,000.

Lacey's court date is pending, and further investigation into the incident is expected as authorities continue to gather evidence and witness statements.