Police: Arrest made in fatal Longwood shooting where victim crashed car

LONGWOOD, Fla. — Longwood police arrested a man Saturday for allegedly shooting and killing an Orange County man in a parking lot along State Road 434 during a drug deal in July, according to an arrest report.

Anthony Gonzalez, 51, is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 35-year-old Richard Javier, a news release says.

Police said Javier was shot during an incident near the corner of Powell Street and State Road 434 shortly after 9:30 p.m. July 14.

He crashed his car in front of South Seminole Hospital soon thereafter, according to authorities.

Javier was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later died, police said.

Gonzalez said several people in a white car pulled up and opened fire.

According to the report, Gonzalez was the owner of Preferred Guest Resorts, a small telemarketing firm in the building where the shooting took place.

"Due to Mr. Gonzalez essentially hosting if not orchestrating this drug transaction that ultimately ... led to the demise of his friend or acquaintance Mr. Javier -- that's why he's being charged," Longwood police Cpl. Adam Bryant said.

Channel 9's Jeff Levkulich searched municipal and state records for information about Gonzalez's business, but there was nothing on file.

Police said they continue to investigate Gonzalez's business.

"Do we know if this place was a front for any illegal activity?" Levkulich said.

"I'm not aware, but again, if that is an angle that we are looking at, that would be a part of the investigation that's still ongoing," Bryant said.

Police said a driver was seen speeding away from the incident, so more people could be arrested in connection with the shooting.

According to the arrest report, Javier's wife told police that Gonzalez is her former boss.

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