George Zimmerman was detained by police this afternoon after a so-called gun incident at his in-laws’ home in Lake Mary, Florida. He has been detained by Lake Mary police. One reporter indicated that the interaction involved Zimmerman attacking his soon-to-be ex-wife’s father. Other reports say he also made threats with a hand on his gun. Lawyers from both sides later arrived on scene. They both allege the other to be the aggressor.
BREAKING: Zimmerman, wife accuse each other of being the aggressor at her father's Florida house, police say
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 9, 2013
Shellie’s 911 call has been released to the public. Listen to it here:
In the call, Shellie is heard distraught and audibly frightened. She describes George punching her father in the nose, smashing and stabbing her iPad, and putting his hand on his gun as he threatens them.
“I’m really really afraid. I don’t know what he’s capable of. I’m really, really scared,” she said.
Here’s what we know about the latest high-profile event involving the exonerated killer of Trayvon Martin.
1. Despite Claims He Threatened His Wife With a Gun, Zimmerman Is Not in Custody & Won’t Be Charged
#GeorgeZimmerman taken into custody after altercation with a gun. WATCH SCENE LIVE: http://t.co/BMtVC7L22r pic.twitter.com/I2PjUlrjYt
— WKMG Local 6 News (@clickorlando) September 9, 2013
George Zimmerman was detained today in Central Florida after being involved in a gun incident involving his estranged wife’s family. There were reports of “domestic battery.” Lake Mary police spokesman Zach Hudson told reports that authorities are “trying to determine what exactly happened,” according to ClickOrlando.
George Zimmerman is in custody after gun incident with Shellie Zimmerman's family. Possibly "domestic battery" involved (via @TonyPipitone)
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 9, 2013
According to reports, Zimmerman threatened Shellie with a hand on his gun at her parents’ home. Shellie’s attorney Kelly Sims told ABC News, according to GlobalGrind, that “Zimmerman pulled a knife on her today after she discovered a firearm in the house they shared. He then pulled a gun on her and her father after a verbal altercation went bad.”
Shellie Zimmerman's lawyer: George pulled a knife out on Shellie before threatening her w/ gun http://t.co/wytxhWfSFU
— Christina Coleman (@ChrissyCole) September 9, 2013
Per Lake Mary police chief: Shellie says #GeorgeZimmerman made threats with "hand on his gun," battered her father.
— Jeff Weiner (@JeffWeinerOS) September 9, 2013
Orlando Sentinel courts reporter Jeff Weiner spoke with Lake Mary police and was told that George Zimmerman is not in custody or detained, though the investigation continues.
Update: Lake Mary police spokesman now telling reporters that #GeorgeZimmerman is not in custody or detained. Investigation continues.
— Jeff Weiner (@JeffWeinerOS) September 9, 2013
ABC News reports that Shellie and her father will not press charges. Zimmerman has been released, but police have taken his gun.
Zimmerman has been released, however the police have taken his gun. If Shellie decides to press charges later, he still can be arrested.
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 9, 2013
Police spokesman confirms LMPD has #GeorgeZimmerman's gun, but adds: "More than likely we'll be giving it back."
— Jeff Weiner (@JeffWeinerOS) September 9, 2013
Chief of Police: Shellie and her father "have declined to press charges against" George Zimmerman. "We have no victim, no crime."
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) September 9, 2013
Bracknell: "Basically, we’re documenting the heck out of this thing," in case Shellie changes her mind. No arrest. #GeorgeZimmerman
— Jeff Weiner (@JeffWeinerOS) September 9, 2013
Per police Chief Bracknell, both Shellie Zimmerman and her father signed papers declining to prosecute #GeorgeZimmerman.
— Jeff Weiner (@JeffWeinerOS) September 9, 2013
Police Chief Steve Bracknell told TMZ he’s baffled by Zimmerman’s inability to stay out of the spotlight:
“The guy just can’t stay out of the news. You’d think he’d get the heck out of Dodge.
2. Zimmerman May Have Attacked His Wife’s Father
George Zimmerman is reported to have attacked the father of his soon-to-be-ex-wife Shellie. Her parents are named David and Machelle Dean and they own the home where the incident took place.
#GeorgeZimmerman beat up Shellie's dad, according to source
— Bianca Castro (@BCastroWFTV) September 9, 2013
Zimmerman’s wife filed for divorce last week. She also appeared on TV and discussed their marriage in an interview. In the interview, Shellie spoke about how her husband had become selfish and felt invincible after he was acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.
3. The Event Took Place At Zimmerman’s In-Laws’ Home In Lake Mary, Florida
The altercation took place on Sprucewood Road in Lake Mary, Florida, in a home owned by George Zimmerman’s wife’s parents.
4. Zimmerman Was Recently Seen Shopping for Guns
Zimmerman was seen shopping for guns on August 22. He was shopping for a tactical shotgun, according to TMZ.
Zimmerman has also made headlines with his general lawlessness after being pulled over for multiple speeding infractions.
5. Zimmerman’s Brother Has Warned The Public Not To Jump To Conclusions
We've learned from GZ case not to "jump to conclusions", to wait for facts, & to avoid speculation. "News" is a business – not your friend.
— Robert Zimmerman JR (@rzimmermanjr) September 9, 2013
Robert Zimmerman Jr., the brother of George Zimmerman has warned the public not to jump to conclusions about his brother’s actions, citing his acquittal from the Trayvon Martin killing.