McCabe’s Bar shooting: DeLand Police arrest man in deadly shooting
Arrest made in deadly DeLand bar shooting
An arrest was just made in a deadly shooting inside a DeLand bar. Officers say that Avante Williams shot and killed a man early on Saturday morning inside McCabe's. Police are still looking for witnesses. About 40 people were in the bar that night, and they know some of them have to know something.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred early Saturday morning at McCabe’s Bar in downtown DeLand, according to police.
‘There was chaos… everybody was running’
What we know:
A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at McCabe’s, a popular bar in DeLand. Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Avantae Williams, who is now in custody at the Volusia County Jail and charged with second-degree murder. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department assisted in locating and apprehending Williams.
Avantae Williams
The victim, 32-year-old Keshod Harris, was shot seven times in the chest during an altercation at the bar late Friday night.
Officers responded to the McCabe's Bar located at 225 N. Amelia Ave. around 1:30 a.m. Saturday after reports of gunfire. According to authorities, approximately 40 people were inside McCabe’s when the gunfire erupted. A second victim, an employee at a liquor store connected to the bar, was also injured—shot in both hands while trying to break up the fight.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, prompting an extensive investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office to identify Williams as the alleged shooter and obtain the arrest warrant.
What we don't know:
Police say the investigation remains active and are still working to determine exactly what led to the shooting. The identity of the shooter’s intended target has not been confirmed, and authorities have not provided details about the events that escalated into violence. It’s unclear whether additional suspects may be involved or if further arrests could follow.
Investigators have yet to release a clear sequence of events or confirm if any weapons have been recovered. They continue to seek more witnesses from among the roughly 40 patrons present during the incident.
The backstory:
The shooting unfolded at McCabe’s, a well-frequented local bar, turning a regular Friday night into a scene of panic. Witnesses described a fight that broke out and quickly escalated into gunfire. Harris, described as calm and friendly by people at the bar, had reportedly been socializing with friends moments before he was killed.
Stephanie Kirby, the bartender working that night, witnessed the violence firsthand. Her close friend and co-worker, identified only as Courtney, attempted to intervene in the fight and was shot while trying to de-escalate the situation.
What they're saying:
For Stephanie Kirby, the bartender who witnessed the shooting from just a few feet away, and others, the emotional impact is still unfolding.
"There was chaos, you know, everybody was running," said Kirby, the bartender who witnessed the shooting from just a few feet away.
"When bullets are flying, and you don't know where they're gonna land, that's pretty scary," she added, recalling how she hid behind the bar before helping customers escape.
Describing the victim, Kirby said, "He wasn't like hardcore partying, but he was chill and hanging out with his friends. He bought friends some rounds, and he was out socializing."
She also spoke about her friend Courtney: "She wrapped her hands around him to try to pull him off the guy when the other man shot him."
With the bar scheduled to reopen, Kirby is still trying to grapple with what she saw.
"I definitely think I have a little bit of PTSD from this, for sure."
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: McCabe Bar shooting: 1 dead and 1 hurt in DeLand, police say
"Help us bring justice to the Harris family", DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger stated.
Man arrested in deadly McCabe's Bar shooting: DeLand Police
The DeLand Police Department has provided an update on the deadly shooting that occurred at McCabe's Bar over the weekend. They announced that the shooter has been arrested and is charged with second-degree murder.
What you can do:
Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact the DeLand Police Department or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
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The Source: The information in this article comes from a report and press conference update by the DeLand Police Department.