April 3, 2025
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of domestic violence on February 12, 2025 at 1:00 a.m. on NE 147 Court. The victim reported to responding deputies a dispute with Oscar Cruz-Baldo (7/18/85) of Williston, who appeared to be intoxicated, occurred earlier that night. The victim was punched in the face during the argument and had injuries consistent with these statements. Cruz-Baldo was also accused of repeatedly hitting and kicking a dog, causing injury to the animal which was attempting to defend the victim. Cruz-Baldo fled prior to law enforcement arrival and could not be located by deputies on scene during the investigation.
Deputies remained in the area searching for Cruz-Baldo for some hours after this initial report. At 4:00 a.m. the victim called 911 reporting Cruz-Baldo returned to the property and was armed with a short barreled shotgun. Cruz-Baldo was threatening the victim with the gun and demanding the gate be unlocked and give him a cell phone. In fear, the gate was unlocked and Cruz-Baldo left the property. Deputies once again were unable to locate him.
Shortly after 8:00 a.m. the LCSO received information that Cruz-Baldo was at a nearby farm. Deputies responded, located Cruz-Baldo and took him into custody. Cruz-Baldo was cooperative with deputies and disclosed the location where he had hidden the gun. Cruz-Baldo was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic battery and animal cruelty.
The Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) adopted this case due to Cruz-Baldo being an illegal alien in the United States who possessed a firearm while committing a felony. A Federal Grand Jury was presented this case and issued a “True Bill” for the indictment. As a result a federal warrant was issued for Cruz-Baldo on March 26, 2025. The warrant has since been executed and Cruz-Baldo will be held in custody at the Levy County Detention Facility until trial.