The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said a detective fired a shot at a suspect Wednesday afternoon. He missed, though, and the suspect was safely taken into custody.

The incident occurred around the intersection of Alcazar Way South and Alhambra Way Street South in St. Petersburg.

  • Incident occurred in St. Petersburg
  • Authorities went to home to serve warrant to Xavier Williams, 25
  • Suspect tried to escape, threatened deputies and presented a weapon

Authorities went to the home of Xavier Williams with multiple warrants, including two counts of armed robbery, two counts of kidnapping, fleeing the scene and a domestic battery charge. They believe that the 25-year-old's crime spree ran from February 2015 through this summer.  

Deputies say he was 'army crawling' when he pulled a hand gun out of his waistband.

Once officers saw the weapon, a detective fired at least one shot. The bullet didn't hit Williams but deputies said the near-miss inspired him to surrender.

Williams remained on the ground and was taken into custody.

 

More details

Investigators said when they arrived at the home, William's father, Earl Alston, emerged from the house and explained that his son was hiding inside. Investigators then made a perimeter around the house.

They said they tried to convince Williams to come out over a megaphone.

Right around that time is when Detective Chris Cramer saw the back door open. According to reports, Cramer saw Williams crawling out of the house, army style, and instructed him to hold up his hands. That didn't happen, though, and deputies said Williams proceeded to pull out a 9 mm glock -- presumably stolen from an armed robbery in April -- and pointed it at Cramer.

The detective fired at Williams, missing him. The suspect fell to the ground on top of his gun, and investigators took him into custody.

Williams father was also arrested for harboring a fugitive following a month of what investigators are calling a 'cat and mouse game.' They believe he's been helping his son elude authorties by hiding out at various motels.

An 'extensive marijuana grow house' was found inside the home once authorities were able to secure the scene, charges for which are forthcoming.

This investigation is on going. Check back soon for updates.