Man accused of posing as Citrus County deputy arrested after confronting Homosassa couple at gun point: CCSO

Eric Johnson, 32, is facing a long list of charges after investigators say he impersonated a deputy and held a couple at gunpoint at their home in Homosassa on Wednesday.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office says Johnson arrived at the home carrying an AR-15-style rifle, knocked on the door, and shouted: "Citrus County Sheriff’s Department."

Investigators say Johnson pointed the weapon at them and demanded they step out.  One of the victims tried calling 911, but Johnson took their phone.

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Deputies say one of the victims then ran to a neighbor’s place to get help and noticed a man sitting in the driver’s seat.

That man was Maynard Selvog, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

"You have a guy who is by himself, another gentleman in a vehicle supposedly from what we’re hearing, and he’s with an AR-15 by himself, banging on a door, yelling sheriff’s office. It just seems out of place because why would one sheriff’s deputy be there," said Kirby Lavallee, a former law enforcement officer. "If you see a random SUV with another gentleman sitting in it, that would be kind of a red flag because if these were two deputies together, why would they both not be knocking on my door."

Investigators say a fight broke out when Johnson followed the victim into the nearby home. The neighbor was able to take Johnson’s gun away, so he and Selvog ran off.

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When deputies arrived, they were able to track both of the suspects down with the help of a K-9 and took them into custody.

After receiving treatment at Oak Hill Hospital for injuries, Johnson was charged with the following: 

  • Home invasion robbery while armed;
  • Two counts of kidnapping to commit a felony;
  • Burglary of a dwelling while armed;
  • Aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older;
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon;
  • Hinder, delay, or prevent communication to law enforcement;
  • Impersonating law enforcement;
  • Battery on police canines;
  • Resisting law enforcement without violence.

His bond was set at $201,000

Selvog was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Home-invasion robbery while armed with a weapon;
  • Principle in the first degree.

His bond was set at $50,000.