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Escambia Man Sentenced For Attempted Murder Of DEA Agent, Federal Drug And Firearms Charges
March 31, 2026
An Escambia County has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for shooting at a DEA special agent and drug trafficking.
Austin James McCastler II, 36, was sentenced on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, assault with a deadly weapon of a special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
The sentence was announced Monday by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Joh Heekin.
“This case exemplified the extreme dangers faced by the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from violent criminals. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding trial work by the talented prosecutors in my office that resulted in this successful outcome. Let me be clear: anyone who threatens, shoots at, or in any way harms a law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Florida will face the full might of the Department of Justice,” Heekin said.
McCastler was sentenced after being found guilty in a jury trial. Trial testimony and court documents revealed that, after undercover law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from McCastler’s Pensacola residence on two occasions, a warrant was obtained to search for and seize illicit narcotics from his home. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement attempted to execute the lawful warrant, but McCastler refused to comply with commands to surrender, instead arming and barricading himself in the home. As law enforcement surrounded the residence, McCastler opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, including shooting at a DEA Special Agent. McCastler then fled from the residence in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize McCastler’s vehicle. McCastler then tried to flee on foot, but law enforcement captured him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic rifle and two spent casings from the shots fired by McCastler, a second firearm, dozens of rounds of ammunition, fentanyl, and marijuana.
“Most investigations happen without incident,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “However, times like this reinforce how dangerous this career can be. I’m thankful no one was injured.”
“If you fire at law enforcement, we will use every tool and partnership to bring you to justice,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “This incident could easily have ended in tragedy for law enforcement or innocent bystanders, but this sentencing will ensure this suspect is no longer a danger to our community.”
Escambia County Sheriff Simmons said: “Austin James McCastler II chose violence over compliance when law enforcement came to execute a lawful search warrant at his home. His decision to open fire on officers, including taking a shot at a DEA Special Agent, endangered the lives of brave men and women who were simply doing their jobs to remove dangerous drugs from our community. Thanks to the professionalism and courage of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the pursuit and apprehension, along with our federal and local partners, this violent offender is now facing serious consequences. We remain committed to working together to protect Escambia County families from drug traffickers and those who arm themselves against law enforcement.”
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the danger posed to our community and law enforcement,” said Sheriff Johnson, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. “When an individual chooses to traffic deadly drugs and use violence against officers, there must be strong consequences. I commend the courage and professionalism of all deputies and partner agencies involved in bringing this case to justice.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
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