A man identified as Clearwater resident, Kwanza J. Taylor Watson, 46, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a shooting at Ridgecrest Park on June 15, 2025. Ridgecrest Park is located at 12000 Ulmerton Road in Unincorporated Largo.
According to a complaint affidavit filed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 4:43 p.m. from Park Ranger Karl Schoetker, who reported a shooting at Ridgecrest Park, located at 12000 Ulmerton Road. The victim, Dave Gibson Jr., 41, was being driven from the scene in a maroon Ford Fusion when deputies conducted a traffic stop. Gibson Jr. had sustained a gunshot wound to his left bicep and was transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.
Deputies later interviewed witnesses and the victim. Gibson Jr. identified the shooter as “Jiffy,” later confirmed to be Taylor Watson. According to statements, Gibson Jr. was walking through the park when he encountered Taylor Watson near a parked Chevrolet Silverado. Taylor Watson allegedly pulled a firearm and began shooting at him. Gibson Jr. fled and alerted a park ranger…