MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Newly released surveillance footage reveals the moment a Marion County sheriff’s deputy was shot inside his cruiser.
The June incident began when a deputy stopped Rheanna Harden, 22, on S. Highway 441. Harden was initially arrested for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, providing false ID, and driving with a suspended license.
While being transported to the Marion County Jail, Harden, who was handcuffed in the back seat of the patrol vehicle, managed to slip one hand out of her cuffs and opened the plexiglass partition between her and the deputy, an arrest affidavit states.
Footage shows Harden removing her visor and covering the rear seat camera before producing a handgun concealed in her clothing and then firing multiple shots through the partition.
The deputy returned fire, and the vehicle eventually crashed into a utility pole. Both Harden and the deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals, the sheriff’s office said.
A revolver with six spent shell casings was recovered at the scene near where Harden was removed from the vehicle, deputies said.
Harden ended up receiving an additional charge of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer.
Her next court date is Jan. 29.