Chaos at Gainesville Walmart: Former Employee Opens Fire After Fight, Victim Critically Injured
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A former Walmart employee is behind bars after a shooting inside the Butler Plaza Walmart that left a current employee, Antwain Johnson, critically injured in front of his wife and young children.
The violent incident unfolded just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, when 26-year-old Drevon Parker encountered Johnson while the latter was off-duty and shopping with his family. According to police, the two men, who reportedly had a history of tension, got into a heated argument that moved to an employee-only section in the back of the store.
Witnesses told investigators that the dispute turned physical when Johnson punched Parker in the face. In response, Parker pulled out a firearm and shot Johnson multiple times in front of his wife and children, triggering chaos throughout the store as panicked customers and workers ran for cover.
Antwain Johnson was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. His wife, Latravia Johnson, later confirmed that he had been shot several times in the back and suffered significant nerve damage. He has already undergone multiple surgeries and is expected to need a walker as he begins the long road to recovery.
“He’s in so much pain,” Latravia said. “He just went to pick up a few things for the house. Our kids had to see their father get shot.”
In a bizarre twist, police say Parker initially fled the scene in a vehicle, only to return a short time later. An officer who did not realize Parker was the suspect briefly detained and searched him but found no weapons and let him go.
Later that evening, Parker turned himself in at the Gainesville Police Department. He was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder. He remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail.
The incident has shaken the Gainesville community. Customers inside the store during the shooting described a scene of chaos and confusion.
“We saw carts flying, food all over the floor, people screaming and running out the door,” said Makenzie Mott, a shopper who witnessed the panic firsthand. “It was terrifying.”
In the days since the shooting, support has poured in for the Johnson family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with mounting medical expenses and the long-term rehabilitation process. The fundraiser has raised over $5,500 as of this week.
Walmart has responded by stationing a police officer at the Butler Plaza location to reassure customers and employees. The company released a statement expressing concern for Johnson and his family, and stated they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
As Antwain Johnson recovers in the hospital, his family is calling for justice—and for prayers.
“Our lives are forever changed,” said Latravia. “But we are just grateful he’s still alive.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with additional information or video footage from the scene to come forward.