Alabama county commissioner’s wife allegedly pulled gun on Florida woman at softball game
April Dawn Wilks, 46, was arrested after a dispute at a softball tournament in Panama City Beach.
Mason Reed 
A youth softball tournament in Panama City Beach took a terrifying turn on June 6, leading to the arrest of the wife of an Alabama county commissioner. According to reports, April Dawn Wilks, 46, allegedly brandished a firearm at another woman during the heated event.
The Incident
Charging documents reveal the confrontation occurred just before 7 p.m. at Frank Brown Park. Witnesses reported that the dispute, which had reportedly originated earlier during a game over officiating calls, escalated when Wilks left the park in a white Lexus SUV with Alabama plates.
As Wilks pulled out of the north parking area, a Florida woman remarked, “Isn’t that the lady who said I hope they have backup?” Upon hearing the comment, Wilks allegedly stopped her vehicle, backed up toward the victim, and produced a black and silver revolver. Witnesses claim she pointed the weapon at the woman and stated, “I can back it up.”
Charges and Police Investigation
Wilks faces a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with a misdemeanor charge of improper exhibition of a firearm. Authorities emphasized that multiple children were present at the complex during the incident. Police noted that the victim felt immediate fear for her safety, with investigators concluding that Wilks’ actions created a clear and well-founded belief that violence was imminent.
WTVY reported that police spoke with the suspect's husband, Geneva County Commissioner Bart Wilks, who was at the ballpark with his wife and child during the tournament. The Commissioner told officers his wife had left to retrieve food, but she could not be reached by phone as the situation unfolded. Wilks reportedly fled the scene following the confrontation.
Wilks, who is the wife of the Geneva County Commissioner, was booked into the Bay County Jail earlier this week and has since been released on bond. 205focus.com will continue to monitor updates regarding this legal matter.
