OCALA, Fla. – Neighbors in Ocala are reeling after what authorities describe as a “random act of violence” that claimed the life of a beloved community member in the blink of an eye.
Police say 64-year-old Harold Harper was gardening in the front yard of his home on Wednesday afternoon when he was shot and killed. The incident has left residents shaken and searching for answers in what they once considered a quiet neighborhood.
Just after 3:30 p.m., deputies received a call reporting a suspicious person with a gun in the area of the 900 block of Southeast 3rd Street.
The release reads. “The subject motioned for the caller to stop, but the caller continued driving and observed the man appear to rack the slide of what he believed to be a pistol.”
As police were on the way, moments later, another call came in reporting a nearby shooting. When deputies arrived, they found Harper suffering from a gunshot wound in his front yard. He later died from his injuries.
Authorities arrested 29-year-old Isaac Toye two blocks away. According to police, the shooting appears to have been a random act of violence.
Toye made his first court appearance Thursday, where a judge denied him bond. He faces charges of homicide and two counts of aggravated assault.
Neighbors say the sound of the gunshot is something they will never forget.
“It was scary as hell,” said Joan Zoeller, who lives across the street. “We thought we heard a car backfiring, and then we heard the boom — one shot.”
Zoeller said she saw the suspect walk — not run — away from the scene. She and her family rushed to help Harper after realizing what had happened.
“I looked out the window and saw an individual,” Zoeller said. “His (Harper’s) wife was frantic when she opened the door. We realized what happened and ran over to them.”
Another neighbor, Brad Bowen, said the violence has changed how safe he feels in his own community.
“It makes me sad, scared, and I think it’s pure evil,” Bowen said. “I’m going to be on my p’s and q’s now.”
Many neighbors described Harper as a kind, quiet man who took pride in his home and his garden.
“A wonderful man,” Zoeller said. “Kept to himself, worked on his yard. Mr. Harper loved his yard and enjoyed gardening.”
Flowers have since been placed at the front door of Harper’s home. Neighbors note the joy Harper had gardening and watching life Bloom. According to the arrest report, witness say Harper had recently survived major surgery and garden as physical therapy.
“My prayers go out to his family and his wife,” Zoeller added.
Authorities say they are continuing their investigation. News 6 has requested police body camera video of Toye’s arrest, as well as information regarding his possible criminal history or mental health background. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
Toye’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.