Shooting and Crash at Bradenton Riverwalk Under Investigation
Updated
A road rage incident triggered by a failure to use a turn signal escalated into a crash and shooting Monday afternoon in the Riverwalk parking lot at 101 Riverfront Boulevard. Three individuals now face charges in connection with the violent encounter.
The altercation unfolded around 3:20 p.m. on June 2, 2025, after Raesean Poole, 33, attempted to turn left out of the Riverwalk parking lot in a Jeep Compass. Anthony Williams, 20, driving a Buick sedan, turned left into the lot ahead of Poole without signaling. After both vehicles came to a stop, Poole backed up and confronted Williams about the lack of a turn signal.
Williams and his passenger, 16-year-old Manuel Villatoro, exited the vehicle during the argument. Poole later alleged that Williams displayed a firearm during the confrontation. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Poole repeatedly trying to drive away but stopping multiple times to continue arguing.
The situation escalated when Poole turned onto Riverfront Boulevard, reversed, and accelerated toward Williams. The Jeep struck a stop sign and a tree, then hit Williams in the leg. In response, Villatoro retrieved a firearm and opened fire on the vehicle, striking it multiple times.
Bradenton Police quickly located all involved. Poole, Williams, and Villatoro were taken into custody for questioning.
Poole has been charged with aggravated battery with a motor vehicle.
Villatoro faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm.
Charges are pending against Williams, who did not sustain serious injuries.
Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active as detectives work to clarify the full sequence of events.
