Leesburg, FL – May 25, 2025 – A Leesburg man’s attempt to stop a vehicle repossession turned violent, landing him behind bars. Allegedly resorting to drawing a weapon, a 37-year-old man, now faces charges after the heated confrontation with a repossession agent escalated.
On May 19, 2025, at around 6:25 p.m., Leesburg Police responded to a weapon complaint at 401 Delphine Ct. Dispatch reported that a repossession agent was threatened with a rifle. The agent, working for Southern Finance Adjusters, was there to repossess a silver Dodge Journey belonging to the girlfriend of 37-year-old Wardell Carser Rivers.
The agent approached the residence and spotted the vehicle in the open garage. Rivers confronted him, asking what he was doing. The agent explained he was there to repossess the vehicle. A brief discussion followed with Rivers insisting the vehicle couldn’t be taken. The agent, standing near the garage, explained he was licensed to repossess in Florida.
Rivers demanded to see the agent’s license. As the agent retrieved it, Rivers grabbed a camo-patterned rifle from the garage and allegedly pointed it inches from the agent’s face, threatening to shoot him. The agent retreated to his tow truck and called 911. Rivers yelled further threats, removed the vehicle’s tag, and closed the garage door.
The agent had taken a photo of Rivers in the garage before the incident, showing him sitting near the vehicle. A witness, the agent’s coworker, corroborated the entire account. Upon arrival, officers set up a perimeter around the residence. Rivers’ girlfriend exited the home and denied any firearms were inside but admitted a BB gun was in the garage.
She called Rivers out at the officers’ request. He surrendered willingly and was handcuffed. After being read his rights, Rivers initially denied having weapons but later admitted a camo BB gun was in the garage behind some tires. He claimed the agent argued with him but denied pointing the gun or making threats.
Officers searched the garage with the girlfriend’s permission but didn’t find the BB gun. She suggested it might be in their children’s room, where she found it, loaded. The agent and witness confirmed it was the weapon used. Rivers admitted moving the BB gun to the bedroom after the agent noticed it, but only out of fear it would be linked to the incident.
Rivers was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. The Pennsylvania native was taken to Lake County Jail with a $5,000 bond.
Source: Leesburg-News
Rifle Threat Sparks Arrest in Repo Dispute – Rifle Threat Sparks Arrest in Repo Dispute – Rifle Threat Sparks Arrest in Repo Dispute
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