DeLand, FL – A verbal dispute between two patrons at a downtown DeLand bar escalated into a shooting early Saturday morning, prompting a multi-agency law enforcement response and an ongoing investigation.

The incident began inside McCabe’s Bar, where the suspect—identified as Calvin Roosevelt Gilbert, had been drinking with the victim, a man he did not know prior to that night. Witnesses stated that Gilbert purchased a beer for the victim, reportedly valued at $5. At closing time, Gilbert confronted the victim outside the establishment and demanded reimbursement for the drink.

The verbal exchange escalated into a heated argument in the bar’s rear parking lot. During the confrontation, Gilbert—wearing a satchel—approached the victim, drew a black handgun, and fired one round from approximately three feet away. The victim was not struck, as he ducked to avoid the shot. The bullet struck an exterior cooler and penetrated the wall of the occupied building.

At approximately 2:05 a.m., officers from the DeLand Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. A single 9mm shell casing was recovered, and physical damage consistent with the shooting was observed. Surveillance video captured the incident and showed the suspect fleeing the area on foot before entering a tan 1999 Nissan Quest van and leaving the scene northbound on N. Amelia Avenue.

The victim and bar staff later positively identified Gilbert through a photo lineup. Both parties have indicated their intent to pursue criminal charges. No injuries were reported.

The DeLand Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively working the case. Anyone with information regarding Gilbert’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him and to contact the DeLand Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

 Suspect Information:

• Name: Calvin Roosevelt Gilbert
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1970
• Vehicle: Tan 1999 Nissan Quest