Residents and patrons are expressing their unease following a second instance of gunfire at a popular DeLand watering hole, McCabe's Bar, where a dispute over a $5 beer escalated to a near-deadly confrontation. The latest altercation took place early Saturday morning when Calvin Gilbert, 55, allegedly fired a gun during an argument over a beer that he had previously purchased for another man, according to WESH. Although no injuries were reported, a bullet hit the bar's wall after the intended target dodged the shot.
The city has been rocked by this incident, which comes on the heels of an earlier shooting at the very same establishment, adding to a growing narrative of concern over public safety and this bar's place within it. "Two completely separate incidents, but this could happen anywhere. It happens in Downtown Orlando; it happens in New York City every day. We're just unfortunate it happened within one month," a patron stated, as per WESH, highlighting a sentiment that such occurrences are not unique to McCabe's. The DeLand Police Department captured Gilbert the day following the incident, charging him with attempted murder and using a firearm while under the influence.
As anxiety mounts among the public, there is a clamor for increased security measures at McCabe's Bar. A social media post suggested that the bar needs to hire their security and buy a metal detector, while the family of Keshod Harris, a victim from a fatal shooting weeks earlier, stated via an online share that "this bar hasn’t taken action to make sure the customers are safe inside or outside," as detailed by WFTV. Local law enforcement has responded to community worries by increasing patrols. A regular at McCabe's conveyed appreciation for the police's efforts, noting, "Chief Umberger has had people here doing drive-bys, police officers doing drive-bys. They make sure no one’s in the back parking lot and everything. It’s just unfortunate."
Meanwhile, the DeLand Police Department is preparing to give updates on the case as the accused, Gilbert, remains incarcerated without bond.
