BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Telegraph Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER— The Union County Sheriff’s office made good on a promise to apprehend the promoter of a June 3 popup party which city officials said shut down every corner of Lake Butler.
The event resulted in eight arrests and a shooting that sent a Union County man to the hospital.
Diamond Wanae Golden, 23, was arrested by Union deputies on August 13 for inciting or encouraging a riot, marking the ninth arrest associated with the party.
The sheriff’s office said in a social media post that it obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s Facebook account, which confirmed her role in promoting the event.
“Golden immediately during the “Pop-Up” party started deleting all evidence of her role,” the agency said. “Golden knew that a crowd this size participating in the activities would overwhelm the resources of our agency. Golden has been involved in parties like this before and knows the problems that can occur.”
The agency added that the event caused total disruption throughout Lake Butler, with all major roads blocked in both directions, people hanging out of cars and yelling obscenities, playing loud music, and actively resisting and refusing commands from law enforcement to stop their illegal behavior.
Within days of the party, Union County Chief Deputy Lyn Williams said investigators quickly identified the party’s organizer and vowed to bring the Gainesville resident to justice.
“There may not be an arrest today or tomorrow,” he said, “but we will get her.”
