Handguns Roasting on an Open Fire

For years, Miami-area highways and bus terminals have featured gigantic billboards illustrating a semi-automatic weapon with the text “10. 20. Life” under the handgun. The numbers represent the minimum prison sentence an individual will receive for pulling a firearm on someone. Simply stated, 10 years for making the gun visible, 20 for firing the weapon and life in prison if someone is shot and killed. Surely other cities in the great state of Florida advertise criminal penalties, but too my knowledge, no more than those in the South Florida region.

Anyhow, Fitzroy Salesman, a Miramar city commissioner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony, according to various news reports.

Mr. Salesman and another individual were witnessed in a minor verbal altercation at a local supermarket around the Thanksgiving holiday. NBC6 Online reported that Lazavious Hudson, the victim, told Mr. Salesman to continue the minor dispute outside which subsequently resulted with the commissioner’s loaded gun poking Mr. Hudson’s side.

Nearly a month later, Mr. Salesman turned himself into authorities, and was released on bail. He has yet to make a personal statement, and his lawyer said that his client felt threatened, therefore pulled out a loaded handgun at the Winn Dixie.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said that because the charge is a felony, Mr. Salesman has been suspended indefinitely.

This is not Mr. Salesman first run-in with the law, or the first time the governor has suspended him. He was previously suspended for a DUI charge, though he was acquitted of the charge at trial.

Remember the 10. 20. Life? It was reported that the suspended commissioner is actually only facing a maximum sentence of three years if convicted. More than likely he’ll serve 16-months, and be released on good behavior, if even found guilty. His name will be added to the long list of shady South Florida politicians and in no time, he’ll be back on the streets recklessly waving around a loaded gun while under the influence of Kentucky Gentleman. Happy Holidays from South Florida.

Cheers,
Victor