1 arrested and charged with attempted murder in shooting outside UF campus

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Officers with the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) have arrested one person in connection with a shooting that occurred near the UF campus early Sunday morning.

The University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) alert system, UF Alert, sent an emergency alert at 3:45 a.m. after shots were fired at 1800 West University Avenue and the suspects ran onto the UF campus.

UF student Gracie Rutez lives near where the shots were fired and says she is shocked and uncomfortable knowing this happened so close to her.

“This happened practically on my doorstep. Knowing that I have exams that require me to be running around at 10 p.m., I have to think of some ways to keep myself safe,” Rutez added.

According to UFPD, the department assisted the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) in locating the suspects. GPD officers arrested one suspect near 114 Fletcher Drive on campus. The second and third suspects were arrested off campus shortly afterward.

Fabian Rivera, 24, of Ocala was the first named suspect arrested by GPD officers on attempted murder charges Sunday morning near Fletcher Drive.

According to the police report, Rivera was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked car with two other witnesses near UF's Midtown neighborhood, behind MacDinton's Irish Pub.

The incident was captured on surveillance camera video. The victim can be seen near the curb next to the driver's seat of the car, speaking to Rivera, accompanied by the two witnesses.

According to the police report, Rivera and the victim appeared to be having a conversation in the video while Rivera sipped a canned beverage.

The victim is also seen reaching into the vehicle and pulling out a soda can. Rivera then looks at the center console and then back at the victim, who is holding the soda can.

According to the police report, Rivera then pointed his gun directly at the victim and fired once.

Another UF student, Christine Lund, said that unfortunately, this has become the norm in our world.

“It's just kind of a reality that we're going to be in. Unfortunately, part of me feels a little numb because I grew up with that fear,” Lund added.

After shooting the victim, Rivera remained motionless and stared for more than 30 seconds before getting out of the vehicle, the police report said.

Officials say Rivera threw a can into the bushes and fled the scene.

A witness' Glock 26 and a single shell casing were found in the vehicle. A can of Four Loko was also found that matched the shape and size of the drinks Rivera had thrown into the area with the bushes.

After being detained by officers and advised of his rights, Rivera told authorities that he noticed the witness's firearm on the center console and went to confiscate it because they had all been drinking alcohol.

Rivera could not answer the officer's questions about why the victim was shot if he had been trying to secure the gun. Rivera said the shooting was an “accident” but could not describe how the gun was fired or what made the shooting an accident.

Rivera told authorities the victim was “like a little sister” to him.

According to the police report, after reviewing surveillance footage and Rivera's conflicting statements, officers believe the shooting was intentional.

The UFPD sent out an emergency alert at 4:17 a.m. to resume normal campus operations. Police on the scene said no one involved in this incident was affiliated with the university.

When authorities arrived on scene, the victim was immediately taken to the local emergency room and underwent surgery, but officials said they were unable to interview her there.

TV20 has contacted GPD officials several times and they have confirmed that the victim is still alive.

Rivera is being held in the Alachua County Jail. He is charged with attempted murder and resisting arrest. No bail has been set for him.

This is a developing story that will be updated as we receive more information.

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