On September 1, 2022 shortly after 4:00am, deputies responded to a residence near Fort White for a report of a domestic dispute where a male subject had battered and kidnapped a female subject.
Deputies acted quickly to speak with witnesses and gather information on the whereabouts of the involved parties. Through investigative measures, deputies learned the subjects were possibly driving in Gilchrist County. The information was relayed to Gilchrist County deputies who located the vehicle. The suspect, Frank Desalvo (50), fled from Gilchrist deputies, who initiated a pursuit, but eventually lost sight of the vehicle. Further investigation led deputies to a residence outside of Trenton, Fl.
CCSO deputies responded to assist Gilchrist County deputies contain a perimeter around the home. The suspect refused to come out of the residence and the CCSO SWAT and Negotiations teams were requested to assist. After a brief standoff, and prior to the assembly of SWAT and Negotiations, the suspect was apprehended. The victim was safely removed from the home as well.
In a statement, Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “The actions of these deputies and cooperation between agencies helped to resolve this situation so quickly. Domestic violence is a serious issue and I am thankful the victim could be rescued before being caused further harm. I want to thank Sheriff Schultz and his team for working with us to bring this suspect to justice.”
Desalvo was arrested by the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office for charges that occurred within their jurisdiction, and will face additional charges from Columbia County.
