On the evening of April 18, 2025, at roughly 10 p.m., Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a home on Marvelwood Road in Weeki Wachee following an assault report.
The victim’s initial call to 9-1-1 detailed a harrowing experience. She reported being in a vehicle with her husband, Gavin Fitzgerald, 25, who allegedly threatened to intentionally crash the vehicle with the intent of killing both of them.
According to the victim, Mr. Fitzgerald initially prevented her from leaving the vehicle. She further stated that she was eventually able to exit the vehicle after it stopped in the vicinity of Windward Boulevard and U.S. 19 in Spring Hill. Seeking help, the victim fled to a nearby gas station and contacted 9-1-1.
The victim was able to provide deputies with Mr. Fitzgerald’s real-time location using her cell phone. This information prompted the deployment of the Aviation Unit to aid in locating him.
At approximately 11:20 p.m., the Aviation Unit successfully located the suspect’s vehicle parked near the entrance of the Weekiwachee Preserve, which is situated off Osowaw Boulevard. Deputies swiftly responded to the location and apprehended Mr. Fitzgerald without any further complications.
As a result of the incident, Mr. Fitzgerald was arrested on charges of Aggravated Assault and False Imprisonment. Due to the domestic nature of the alleged crime, he was initially held without bond.
