Man in Florida bar nearly kills another over a five-dollar beer

The incident could change the hours of operation for the affected bar while safety measures are being evaluated.

Calvin GilbertPhoto © Volusia County Jail

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A shooting that occurred last weekend outside a bar in Florida was sparked by a dispute over a $5 beer, according to authorities from the DeLand Police Department.

The incident not only left a man under arrest, but it could also lead to significant changes for the establishment where it took place.

Facebook Capture/DeLand Police Department

The suspect, Calvin Gilbert, 55 years old, was arrested on Sunday in Daytona Beach, charged with first-degree attempted murder and firearm use under the influence of alcohol. He is being held in the Volusia County jail without bail.

It all began on Saturday morning in front of McCabe’s Bar, located on Amelia Avenue, in the city of DeLand. According to witnesses, Gilbert bought a $5 beer from a man he was drinking with. However, after the bar closed, he confronted him in the parking lot and demanded that he return the money.

The situation turned violent when, in the midst of a heated argument, Gilbert pulled out a gun and fired. The victim managed to dodge the shot by ducking, while the bullet first hit an outdoor cooler and then struck one of the walls of the bar.

Despite there being no injuries, the shooting was captured by the venue's security cameras. The police identified Gilbert through a photographic lineup and arrested him less than 34 hours after the incident.

The consequences of the shooting have raised concerns among regular customers of McCabe’s Bar, especially since this is the second shooting linked to the establishment in the same month, reported WFLA. In a previous incident, a former football player was arrested for allegedly murdering a man at the same location.

Due to this, the police reported that the bar will need to adjust its operating hours, changing from closing at 2:00 a.m. to between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Moreover, the police chief, Jason Umberger, suggested the implementation of stricter security measures, including entrance checks and the hiring of security personnel.

“It's ridiculous to think that a person almost lost their life over something so trivial,” Umberger remarked, referring to the reason behind the shooting.

It was also noted that they are in talks with the state prosecutor's office to present new charges against Gilbert, specifically for having fired a weapon inside an occupied building.

Frequently Asked Questions about the shooting in Florida over a $5 beer

What triggered the shooting outside the bar in Florida?

The shooting was sparked by an argument over a 5-dollar beer. The suspect, Calvin Gilbert, demanded a refund for the beer he had purchased from another man, which led to a heated argument and the subsequent shooting.

What were the consequences of the shooting at McCabe's Bar?

The shooting did not result in any injuries, but it raised concerns among the regular customers of McCabe's Bar. As a result, the bar will need to change its hours of operation and may implement stricter security measures.

What measures are being considered to improve security at McCabe's Bar?

The police chief, Jason Umberger, suggested the implementation of stricter security measures, including entry checks and the hiring of security personnel.

What charges is Calvin Gilbert facing after the shooting?

Calvin Gilbert faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. He is being held without bail.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.