OCALA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Monday afternoon, a Marion County trailblazer — the first-ever Black female officer hired at the Ocala Police Department more than a half-century ago — was honored.

OCALA, Fla. — A movie theater security guard has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old, the Ocala Police Department said Wednesday. On Jan. 15, police said they found out about a sexual battery incident that occurred the night before at the Hollywood 16 movie theater. According to a release, the girl went to a movie with her friends, and a friend’s grandfather refused to offer the victim a ride home. Read: Sheriff: Search crews recover body in pond near KissimmeeInvestigators said a theater security guard, Augusta Williams, 31, offered to watch the girl until she could get a ride home. Ocala Police said the victim did not want to have sex but was afraid of Williams since he had a gun.

The Ocala Police Department on Sunday announced it had begun investigating a shooting early that morning which left two people dead and four others hurt.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department surprised drivers with a festive twist for the holidays. Officers performed traffic stops but brought quite the joyful surprise to those behind the wheel. Police would explain the reason for the traffic stop, but would give recipients a $100 bill instead of a citation. All of the money donated to OPD to use for these stops was given anonymously. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

The Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, paid a visit to the Ocala Police Depart with a show of appreciation for the officers working the night shift.

Two men were injured in a road rage shooting in Ocala, shutting down the road, according to the police department.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department donated 50 Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. OPD staff donated money that they received originally for their own meals, and bought meals for those in need. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Ocala Police Department Ocala Police Department (Ocala Police Department)Read: Which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving 2022? Here’s a listOPD also donated three turkeys to The Kings Embassy Of Kingdom Nation church for its free community Thanksgiving dinner. Video: Basket Brigade packs food for families in need ahead of Thanksgiving (WFTV)©2022 Cox Media Group

A 67-year-old man who witnesses said was lying in a roadway in Ocala was struck and killed by a car Saturday, according to the Ocala Police Department.

A 2-foot-tall miniature horse has become the newest addition to the Ocala Police Department, according to the department.

OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department added a little magic to its force this week. On Wednesday, the department named a miniature horse, Magic, as an honorary police officer — making her the first mini-horse to earn the title in the city. Standing at 2 feet tall, what Magic lacks in stature, she makes up for with her service. Read: New wheelchair offers disabled miniature horse mobilityThe department said Officer Magic will occasionally work on the department’s outreach programs, including its Polar Patrol ice cream program, and its R.E.A.D. “With her friendly personality and adorable appearance, Magic is sure to be a hit with everyone she meets.”Photos: Ocala adds mini-horse named Magic to its police forceExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Magic the mini horse named honorary officer Standing at 2 feet tall, what Magic lacks in stature, she makes up for with her service.

The Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office pulled a Florida Highway patrol car from flood waters, according to a Facebook post by Ocala police.

OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department is taking a new approach to reduce ongoing catalytic converter thefts. The city, like many places across the country, has seen a huge increase in converters stolen from vehicles this year. Catalytic converters are located along the exhaust system to turn toxic fumes from a car’s engine into less-harmful exhaust. READ: Catalytic converter thefts impacting dozens of Central Florida driversRecently, police did an undercover operation targeting businesses that might be buying the stolen goods. He said he’d never bought catalytic converters before.

OCALA, Fla. — Twelve families have been displaced after a tree fell on an apartment Saturday, Ocala Police Department officials said. Firefighters said the tree was being cut and part of its limbs were poking through the roof. 12 families displaced after tree falls on Ocala apartment (Ocala Police Department/Ocala Police Department)Read: Deltona man accused of stalking 6-year-old girl, deputies sayOfficials said they cleared the building and ensured residents and pets were safe. Read: Berenstain Bears literary agent dies at 102 in OcalaThe American Red Cross was requested to provide aid to those families. 12 families displaced after tree falls on Ocala apartment (Ocala Police Department/Ocala Police Department)Marion County Animal Services also protected the animals whose owners weren’t home.

Benjamin Townsel, a 23-year-old Ocala man, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a release from the Middle District of Florida.

The death of a man who was located Saturday morning lying in a residential Ocala roadway with multiple gunshot wounds is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Ocala Police Department.

A 35-year-old man stole a car and fled from officers, prompting a car chase in Ocala Thursday morning, according to the Ocala Police Department.

Police and firefighters responded to a scene Wednesday in southwest Ocala where officers said a naked, bruised and bloodied toddler had been found alone in a roadway.

OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department said they had recovered skeletal remains behind a warehouse off SW 17th Street this morning. They believe the remains have been there for several years but do not expect foul play. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Ocala police recover skull and skeletal remains Wednesday morning. Ocala police recover skull and skeletal remains Wednesday morning. (Ocala Police Department)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A 14-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the neck in Ocala, according to the Ocala Police Department.

The Ocala Police Department confirmed to News 6 on Saturday that Ty was reunited with his owner after the person who had possession of him met with officers April 17. No arrest has been made at the time of this report, police said.

Four fights on an Ocala middle school campus Wednesday resulted in the arrest of nine arrests and 13 suspensions, according to Marion County Public Schools.

The chief of the Ocala Police Department said Monday the entire community should be concerned about recent arrests involving children.

A 90-year-old man was hit by car in Ocala and died Wednesday morning, according to police.

A man was shot and critically injured after a fight outside a food store in Ocala Friday afternoon, police said.

Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia all won medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics in speed skating.

28-year-old Justin Wright was arrested for multiple counts of voyeurism, according to the Ocala Police Department.

Police say a tornado touched down in Ocala as strong storms ripped through the area.

A man was killed during a shooting in Ocala on Sunday evening, according to the Ocala Police Department.

Police are looking for Robert Beckwith, 54, who they said went missing around 2 p.m. from his home at 3741 Northeast 22nd Avenue.

Police said the individuals opened bank accounts, deposited counterfeit checks in those accounts, then withdrew the money before the bank could recognize the checks were bad. #Ocala #Police Detective Rowe arrested five individuals involved in an organized scheme that defrauded over $22K from a local bank. First, they all opened bank accounts, and then multiple counterfeit checks were deposited into their accounts via mobile deposit. This case is still under investigation and G’Nashi Barnes is still at large with a warrant out for her arrest. Posted by Ocala Police Department on Monday, November 29, 2021They were arrested after police said they saw videos of the group online flashing money, WCJB reported.

OCALA, Fla. — The “We’re Hiring” sign outside the Ocala Police Department may not go away anytime soon. “Those patterns or trends show that I probably need about 22 to 25 additional officers right now,” said Chief Mike Balken with the Ocala Police Department. Balken said his department had difficulty with recruiting and keeping officers, and it’s not alone. Balken said officers are leaving for higher wages, and not as many young people see it as a desirable profession. “We’ve tried to do a lot of outside-the-box thinking as it relates to recruitment and retention,” Balken said.

Ocala crash Five people were transported after a car crash in Ocala. (Ocala Police /Ocala Police Department)OCALA, Fla. — Five people were transported to the hospital after a three-car crash in Ocala Tuesday night, police said. Among them, three people resulted in trauma alerts and one person is in critical condition, police said. A Scion T-boned the SUV, which caused the Scion to rotate counterclockwise, moving into the path of a Honda, and the Honda appeared to hit the rear of the Scion. Coroner: Gabby Petito died of strangulationClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A man died after being shot in Ocala early Saturday morning, according to the police department.

Polar Patrol Ocala police are adding an unconventional new vehicle to its fleet: An ice cream truck. (Ocala Police Department)OCALA, Fla. — Ocala police are adding an unconventional new vehicle to its fleet: An ice cream truck. “When police officers visit neighborhoods and hand out free ice cream to kids and families, we’re going to get to know each other,” Police Chief Mike Balken said. The Polar Patrol program was made possible by generous donations from multiple sponsors. The van, design wrap, and ice cream were all also donated.

Ocala police set up American flag retirement box The Ocala Police Department is offering a new way for residents to get a respectful end to American flags that have become faded and worn over time. Police set up an American flag retirement box at the main entrance of the police headquarters at 402 South Pine Ave. in Ocala. “When an American flag becomes worn or torn, there’s a respectful way to retire that flag,” said Coughlin in a news release. The flag retirement box features patriotic artwork and unique images of historic buildings and oak trees from around Ocala and Marion County. “We’re pleased to provide this flag retirement box,” Chief of Police, Mike Balken, stated.

One injured in shooting in Ocala Ocala police are investigating a shooting that sent one person the hospital Friday evening. OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department is investigating a shooting that sent one person to the hospital Friday night. READ: 2 injured in shooting outside Paddock Mall in Ocala, police sayPolice arrived to find the 21-year-old victim with two gunshot wounds. READ: Ocala police, community leaders working to address recent rash of gun violenceThey’re asking anyone with information on the shooting to call the Ocala Police Department at (352) 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-7867. One injured in shooting in Ocala Ocala police are investigating a shooting that sent one person the hospital Friday evening.

OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala community is dealing with a recent rash of shootings, many involving young people. One male... Posted by Ocala Police Department on Sunday, July 25, 2021Now, the Ocala Police Department is calling on the community to help prevent the shootings. Tolbert says it pains him to see what’s happened in Ocala recently with at least five shootings reported just this month. READ: Person shot at Ocala apartment complexOn Thursday, at the Sutton Place Apartments, a 16-year-old boy was killed. Angy Scroble of the Ocala Police Department said.”Police haven’t been able to determine a single cause for the recent shootings, or whether any of them are connected.

A 16-year-old boy was shot multiple times at an apartment complex in Ocala before he died, according to police.

A naked Florida woman went berserk, destroying a Florida restaurant earlier this month. And it was all caught on video.

The Ocala Police Department is responding to a fatal crash Saturday morning.

An Ocala Police Department officer called to the scene of a suspected arson fire kicked in the door of the home to rescue a woman and her dog who were trapped inside.

The Ocala Police Department has identified skeletal remains found in a wooded area last month and is asking for the public’s help with any information that can lead to the person’s next of kin.

A driver of a stolen vehicle out of Gainesville was arrested after being stopped on a pursuit by officers from the Ocala Police Department, according to police.

Officers are now searching the area for evidence.

OCALA, Fla. – Ocala police are issuing a warning about an old sketch of a suspected serial rapist that’s currently recirculating on social media. According to the Ocala Police Department, the sketch is from a news story in 2011 but has recently been shared by social media users as though it’s current. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]The post includes a photo of a man with short hair and glasses, as well as a tattoo believed to be on the suspect’s left forearm. AdRUMOR CONTROL 🚨 This picture, referencing a news article, has been part of a post that is circulating social media as of... Posted by Ocala Police Department on Friday, March 19, 2021The police department published the “rumor control” post on Facebook Friday, saying “We are here to tell you that this article was from 2011, this is not current and there is not a serial rapist on the loose in Ocala.”The department followed up with a friendly reminder about spreading misinformation online. “Remember, do your research before sharing information,” the post read.

Tara Woods saw an ad for an Ocala Community Service Officer at a church in 1990. “It was a great way to give back to the community I grew up in.”Retired Maj. Tara Woods with Ocala Police (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Retired Maj. Robin Ford with Ocala Police (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Twenty-two days later both Woods and Ford are back serving their community as civilians. Retired Maj. Robin Ford (left) & Retired Maj. Tara Woods (right) (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

An Ocala police cruiser damaged in a crash on Feb. 26, 2021. (Image: Ocala Police Department)MARION COUNTY, Fla. – An Ocala police officer was involved in a crash Friday morning with another vehicle, according to the department. Authorities said the crash happened at Southeast 17th Street and Southeast 22nd Avenue. AdAll westbound lanes were closed Friday around 8 a.m. from 25th to 22nd avenues. The crash investigation is ongoing.

OCALA, Fla. – A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed Sunday at an apartment complex in Ocala, prompting a homicide investigation, according to police. Ocala police said Monday that Chris “Chevy” Chevelon Jr. died in the shooting, which happened around noon Sunday at the Sutton Place apartments off Northeast 3rd Street near State Road 40. Rest In Peace Chris Chevelon Jr. you will be missed but never forgotten by your friends, family, teammates and coaches. Once a Knight always a Knight in life and death. “Rest In peace Chris Chevelon Jr. You will be missed but never forgotten by your friends, family, teammates and coaches.

OCALA, Fla. – A trooper was shot at but not injured during a chase that started in downtown Ocala Thursday afternoon, according to the Ocala Police Department. Records show the incident began when a man, later identified as David James, went into a boutique on Silver Springs Boulevard around 3 p.m. and held the business owner at gunpoint and demanded cash. The victim went back toward the boutique to find James and saw him running down Silver Springs Boulevard. Police said the victim chased after James for several blocks and fired multiple shots at him. Police said during the pursuit, someone in the passenger’s seat of the Nissan shot several rounds at the trooper’s vehicle.

OCALA, Fla. – Late Ocala police Chief Greg Graham will be honored Friday with a celebration of life at First Baptist Church in Ocala and due to the number of people who would like to attend the event will be livestreamed online, according to Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant. Graham died Sunday in a small plane crash near Dunnellon not far from the Marion County Airport. Graham’s family will be having a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Friday. The service may be viewed online here. Graham’s body was moved from the medical examiner’s office in Leesburg to an Ocala funeral home on Tuesday.

OCALA, Fla. – It was an emotional moment Tuesday outside the Ocala Police Headquarters as officers and bystanders saluted Chief Greg Graham during a procession. Graham’s body was moved from the medical examiner’s office in Leesburg to an Ocala funeral home. Larry Range lives in Ocala and said he knew the chief and wanted to say goodbye one last time. Other first responders, including Graham’s family members, attended Tuesday’s procession along with employees from the police department. A funeral is tentatively set for Graham on Friday.

OCALA, Fla. A 22-year-old man walking on the sidewalk was killed when a vehicle veered off the roadway and struck him Tuesday night, according to the Ocala Police Department. Police said William Ryan Abbott was on the sidewalk near State Road 200 and SW 35th Terrace when a vehicle that was on Interstate 75 left the roadway toward the right, traveled onto the sidewalk and grass and struck him. Abbott was taken to an area hospital as a trauma alert, where he died as a result of his injuries. They also said that while the incident is still under investigation, its not suspected that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Police said his death marks the sixth pedestrian fatality in Ocala this year.

OCALA, Fla. The Ocala Police Department posted on its Facebook Tuesday to let residents know that despite the rumors, there was no shooting at Paddock Mall. Police said a call came in around 12:20 p.m. about a man threatening to shoot a security guard after he was caught attempting to shoplift from multiple stores. The man fled the mall property but was located nearby and at that point, officers said they determined that he didnt have a gun. When 911 was called and someone reported that the person threatened to shoot it automatically codes the call as a shooting whether or not there was actually shots fired. Police clarified that shots were never fired and a weapon was never displayed.

OCALA, Fla. A semi-professional football player is being sought in connection with a shooting that occurred directly after the Central Florida Bulls and the Tampa Bay Tigers faced off in Marion County, according to the Ocala Police Department. Police said the shooting happened at Ocala Regional Sportsplex on July 11 shortly before 10:30 p.m., just after the match ended. Witnesses said a member of the Tampa Bay Tigers who wore either jersey number 52 or 58 grabbed a black semiautomatic pistol from his waistband and shot toward referees and bystanders, according to a news release. Video and other evidence led detectives to identify Zachariah Doster, who wears jersey number 52 for the Tampa Bay Tigers, as a suspect in the case, records show. Hes wanted on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon upon a sports official and discharging a firearm in public.

OCALA, Fla. A man was arrested early Sunday after he injured a woman and held their 10-month-old baby hostage, barricaded in a bedroom with access to firearms, according to the Ocala Police Department. Officers responded to a Northeast Ocala home after a woman called 911 to report that John Barrett, 31, was holding their child hostage, according to a news release. The woman told police Barrett had struck her in the face then headbutted her, causing injury before barricading himself in a bedroom with their 10-month-old child. The woman also told officers Barrett made statements saying law enforcement wouldnt take him alive, and that he had access to several firearms. Hostage negotiators were able to speak with Barrett and talk him into surrender while officers drafted an arrest warrant.

OCALA, Fla. A 12-year-old and a 13-year-old were arrested Monday after they stole a car and led officers on a chase, according to the Ocala Police Department. Officers responded to the report of a car theft just before 6 a.m. Monday and spoke with the vehicle owner who said their Hyundai Sonata was missing. While police were interviewing the victim on scene, patrol officers spotted the stolen vehicle near NW 10th Street and NW Martin Luther King Avenue, according to a news release. The driver of the vehicle, the thirteen-year-old, has had several contacts with the Ocala Police Department and was known to arresting officers. He was arrested for auto theft, fleeing to elude marked law enforcement vehicles, and no valid drivers license.Officers said the two children were released to their guardians following the incident and the car was returned to its owner.

The Ocala Police Department is seeking the publics help as they investigate a suspicious death, according to a post on the OPD Facebook page. The post states a young black male was found in the Cala Hills area on Southwest 19th Avenue. An OPD official stated the body was found outdoors but was unwilling to offer anymore details as police were not releasing any additional information Sunday afternoon. The post, placed around 11 a.m., indicated that the deceased had not yet been identified. OPD is asking anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area last night to call the department at 369-7000.

Its the fourth pedestrian fatality so far this year in the city, and the second involving a hit-and-run crash. A pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash early Wednesday morning. According to Ocala Police Department officials on scene, the man was walking from north to south across Northeast 14th Street when a westbound pickup truck hit him in the outside lane. A police officer, traveling in the opposite direction, came upon the body in the 2800 block of Northeast 11th Street and blocked traffic about 6 a.m. Eastbound traffic was detoured at the intersection of Northeast 14th Street and 25th Avenue.

Adrian T. Anderson was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (the vehicle) on a law enforcement officer and one count of battery on a law enforcement officer following the incident, which occurred near Northwest 11th Avenue and Northwest 13th Street. The report indicates an OPD officer stopped Anderson about an auxiliary LED light bar on the front of the 2012 F-250 Ford truck he was driving. As the citations were printed, Anderson was becoming "verbally abusive" toward two OPD sergeants who stood outside the truck. Anderson was yelling they were "not real sergeants" and he wanted to speak to a "real sergeant," the report indicates. The officer who issued the citations said Anderson became angry and he set the citations on the trucks dashboard and walked away "so Anderson could leave."

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn on Friday instructed the Ocala Police Department not to enforce the state's COVID-19 order. Theres no common sense in a lot of this order," Guinn said. Marion County had 202 confirmed COVID-19 cases with five deaths as of Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Department of Health. But other businesses like restaurants, hair salons, bars, all these other things that are shut down are paying this same tax. Im going out of business," Guinn said.

A man shot Friday by another man remains hospitalized as detectives from the Ocala Police Department continue to piece together what led up to the shooting. Officials, who did not release the victims name or age, on Saturday said the man was listed in stable condition at an undisclosed hospital. The alleged shooter, whom authorities have not identified, was detained by police shortly after the shooting, and had not been charged as of Saturday afternoon. The shooting occurred at a residence located in the 16600 block of Northwest 14th Street, which is across the street from Howard Academy Middle School. According to officers, the victim was in some type of dispute when he was shot at least once.

A backyard dispute led to a shooting Friday afternoon that left one man injured and another in custody. Ocala Police Department officials said when they arrived at a home in the 1600 block of Northwest 14th Street, the victim was conscious and talking. He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center for treatment. The shooter, who has not yet been identified or charged by police, was taken into custody for questioning. Officers responding to a 3:41 p.m. call were told there was a dispute between the victim and the shooter in the backyard.

The name of the victim in a single-car crash early Sunday morning in northeast Ocala has been released by the Ocala Police Department. Jeffrey Robinson, 30, of Ocala, died as a result of the crash that occurred in the 1800 block of Northeast 28th Street. OPD responded to the crash at 2:06 a.m.An OPD official said Sunday the car had two occupants, and OPD Public Information Officer Corie Byrd stated in a text Monday that Robinson was the passenger. Byrd stated that the driver , who was not identified in the text, was taken to a local hospital in "non-life-threatening" condition. Byrd said the crash investigation continues and additional details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

A woman shot in the arm by a bail bondsman on Friday remains hospitalized as Ocala Police Department officials continue their investigation. The woman, whose name has not been released by authorities, was still being treated for her wound as of Tuesday. When they got to the scene, they were told that the bondsman tried to apprehend the woman, who refused to surrender because she has several warrants for her arrest. Authorities were told the woman drove off and the bondsman fired several shots at the vehicle, one of which struck the woman in the arm. Officers did not release the name of the bail bondsman, who so far has not been charged with any crime.

A woman was shot by a bail bondsman when she fled from him in a vehicle on Friday. The woman, whose name was not released by Ocala Police Department officials, was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to her arm. Police also did not release the name of the bail bondsman, who so far has not been charged with any crime. Authorities were told the woman drove off and the bondsman fired several shots at the vehicle, one of which struck the woman in the arm. Records show the victim has out of county warrants and has been arrested locally for several offenses.

An Ocala man attempting to cross a roadway late Friday night was struck and killed by a vehicle. Ocala Police Department officials have identified the victim as Randolph Jackson. Officers said Jackson was walking westbound on West Silver Springs Boulevard when he tried to cross Southwest 27th Avenue. Witnesses told officers that it appears Jackson walked in front of and was struck by a GMC van traveling northbound on U.S. 27. Jacksons death was the second traffic death in Ocala this year.

A second man has been treated and released. One of the men who was shot on Sunday in Ocala remains hospitalized in critical condition. The second man has been been treated at a local hospital and released. Ocala Police Department officials on Friday said the 31-year-old Ocala victim, whose name was not released by detectives, is at an undisclosed hospital. Police are also not releasing the name of the 29-year-old Ocala man who was discharged.

Two people were injured, one critically, in a Sunday afternoon shooting in northeast Ocala, according to the Ocala Police Department. OPD Public Information Officer Corie Byrd stated the shooting occurred around 4:03 p.m in the 1100 block of Northeast 14th Street and was connected to two people involved in some type of altercation.Byrd stated the injured were transported to a local hospital. One patient was stable and the other critical. Dectectives with the agencys Major Crimes Bureau are in the "preliminary stages" of the investigation, Byrd stated. The names of the injured persons have not been released.

Two men were arrested early Sunday after police say they tried to burglarize an Ocala gas station as an employee inside the closed business watched, according to an Ocala Police Department report. Responding officers located two men later identified as Lederle Walker, 44, and Joshua Gaines, 28, at the rear door of the business. Police said in the report that Walker resisted officers, leaving one officer with a small bump and laceration to the right side of his head. Walker and Gaines were both charged with attempted burglary of an occupied structure and were taken to the Marion County Jail. Walker was also charged with resisting an officer without violence, trespass after warning, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.

No one was hitA house and a sports utility vehicle were struck by bullets Tuesday in a drive-by shooting. At 11:50 a.m., Ocala Police Department officers received calls about shots fired along Southwest Seventh Street. When officers went to the location, they were told that a vehicle drove by and an occupant or occupants fired shots, hitting a home and a vehicle. Officers blocked off surrounding streets, looking for the vehicle and the person or persons responsible for the shooting. Anyone with any information about Tuesdays shooting can call the OPD at 369-7000 or contact Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

The man was struck while standing outside Red Room Entertainment Recording Studio, 2677 NW 10th St., Ocala. A man injured during a shooting on Saturday night has been released from the hospital as police continue investigating. Ocala Police Department detectives have not released the name of the victim. At that point, multiple shots were fired and the victim fell after he was grazed by a bullet. In October 2019, police say, Jesse Torres fired shots into the building and occupants in the studio returned fire, hitting Torres.

A man shot and killed at an Ocala home last week has been identified by police. Detectives from the Ocala Police Department said the victim was Austin Schoor, 44, of of Dunnellon. Schoor was visiting someone along Southeast Fourth Street, when he began arguing about loud music with a man and woman who were nearby. His body was found in the front yard of a residence located in the 2800 block of Southeast Fourth Street the night of March 19. Police officials did not reveal whether the man or woman, whose names were not released, pulled the trigger.

Ocala police officials arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl. Jules J. Bazarsky was interviewed at the Ocala Police Department by Detective Aaron Messenger on Friday about the allegations. At the conclusion of the interview, Bazarsky, of Ocala, was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail. According to police, they received a report that an older man and a 14-year-old girl were involved in sexual activity since July 2019. An officer was told that Bazarsky had molested the teen at her residence and at another location.

Marion County public safety agencies are trying to stay safe during the pandemic. Some public safety offices are closed to the public to limit exposure to COVID-19. The Belleview Police Department and the Marion County Sheriffs Office, to include all of their district offices, are open to the public for information and reports. Marion County Fire Rescue officials said their main headquarters is open to the public, and they will be practicing social distancing. The Ocala Fire Rescue main office is not open to the public.

Residents at Promenade Apartments said despite security efforts, shootings there are too common. A man and a juvenile were injured in separate shootings nearly an hour apart Tuesday night in Ocala. Ocala Police Department detectives are looking for assailants in both shootings but do not think the incidents are related. Other residents who heard the barrage of gunshots told the Star-Banner theyre fearful, and are looking to leave the community. Anyone with any information about any of the shootings can call the OPD at 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

An Ocala man on probation for armed burglary was arrested Friday by police for burglarizing vehicles. A man told Ocala Police Department Detective Jessica Gago that when he pulled into the parking lot of Seminole Feed at 335 NE Watula Ave., he saw someone standing by a vehicle. The man went into the business, found the owner and went outside where they detained the burglar, later identified as Johnny Allen, 51, and notified officers. Allen told police hes addicted to crack cocaine and had burglarized several vehicles in the parking lot. State records show Allen has an extensive criminal record in Hamilton County and is on felony probation until December 2022.

OCALA, Fla. – A person died in a shooting on Saturday at the Jade Lounge in Ocala, according to the Ocala Police Department. Police said a surveillance camera video showed an altercation go down between two people, with more people getting involved as the fight escalated. Police said multiple people were injured during the shooting, and one man, 56-year-old James Wallace, died from his injuries. The shooter escaped from the bar and fled in a gold colored sedan, according to police. The shooting is still under investigation.

A gun, numerous ammunition and loaded magazines were reported stolen from a vehicle belonging to a Marion County Sheriffs Office detention deputy on Thursday. According to police, the detention deputy told the officer the items were in his vehicle on Wednesday afternoon and he doesnt remember locking the doors. On Thursday morning, he said he noticed the center console was opened, and checking the vehicle, discovered a gun, ammunition and magazines loaded with ammunition were missing. Police said some of the items belongs to the MCSO and others were owned by the detention deputy. The stolen items were not identified by police, as the investigation continues.

A gun, numerous ammunition and loaded magazines were reported stolen from a vehicle belonging to a Marion County Sheriffs Office detention deputy on Thursday. The jail official told an Ocala Police Department officer he believes the burglary occurred between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. The incident occurred at an Ocala apartment complex that was not named by police. According to police, the detention deputy told the officer the items were in his vehicle on Wednesday afternoon and he doesnt remember locking the doors. The stolen items were not identified by police, as the investigation continues.

A gun, numerous ammunition and loaded magazines were reported stolen from a vehicle belonging to a Marion County Sheriffs Office detention deputy on Thursday. The jail official told an Ocala Police Department officer he believes the burglary occurred between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. According to police, the detention deputy told the officer the items were in his vehicle on Wednesday afternoon and he doesnt remember locking the doors. Police said some of the items belong to the MCSO and others were owned by the detention deputy. The stolen items were not identified by police, as the investigation continues.

An Ocala Police Department officer arrested a 41-year-old man for his 12th driving on a suspended license charge after he failed to stop at a stop sign, according to an arrest report. The officer signaled the vehicle to pull over, and Dreyfuss eventually stopped near the intersection of Southwest 19th Avenue and West Silver Springs Boulevard. Dreyfuss told the officer his driver's license was likely invalid and gave the official a state identification card. The officer discovered that Dreyfuss' license had been suspended 11 times, and arrested him shortly before 2 a.m.Searching Dreyfuss, the officer found methamphetamine in the man's right sock. Dreyfuss was charged with driving with a suspended license as a habitual traffic offender and possession of crack cocaine, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Ocala Police Department officers who were investigating a possible burglary at a medical marijuana dispensary in southwest Ocala Saturday night responded to a shooting north of the crime location, according to police report. The events unfolded after OPD officers responded to Curaleaf Dispensary, at 1839 SW College Road, Saturday night in response to a possible burglary. A broken front window was found at the business, according to the report. The vehicles, believed to be carrying four suspects involved in the attempted burglary, evaded officers. An OPD official indicated there is no connection between the burglary and the reported shooting, and no information was immediately available about any material stolen from Curaleaf.

A man seriously injured in a shooting on Friday night in front of a northwest Ocala residence remains in a hospital as detectives continue their investigation into the case. The 37-year-old victim, whose name was not released by officials, was shot several times and is in critical condition, according to Ocala Police Department officials. Police said the man was in a yard located in the 1500 block of Northwest 19th Court when he was shot. He then ran inside the residence and told a woman he had been shot, and the woman called 911. OPD Officer Nickesha Cabrera applied a tourniquet on the victim until an ambulance arrived to take him to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

A man seriously injured in a shooting on Friday night in front of a northwest Ocala residence remains in a hospital as detectives continue their investigation into the case. The 37-year-old victim, whose name was not released by officials, was shot several times and is in critical condition, according to Ocala Police Department officials. Police said the man was in a yard located in the 1500 block of Northwest 19th Court when he was shot. He then ran inside the residence and told a woman he had been shot, and the woman called 911. OPD Officer Nickesha Cabrera applied a tourniquet on the victim until an ambulance arrived to take him to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

A man was seriously injured when he was shot at an Ocala residence on Friday night. According to Ocala Police Department officials, the man ran from a yard to inside a residence and told a woman that he had been shot. The woman saw the victim bleeding and called 911. An ambulance arrived and took the man to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Officers said they received the call at 9:38 p.m. and arrived at 9:40 p.m.

A pedestrian trying to cross a busy roadway was hit and seriously injured on Monday. The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in the 2000 block of South Pine Avenue (U.S. 441) in Ocala. According to Ocala Police Department officers, the victim, identified as a woman, was attempting to make her way from east to west across the roadway. Police were told a pickup truck was traveling northbound in the outside lane. The pedestrian reportedly darted into the northbound lane and a second vehicle, traveling in the center lane, was able to stop in time.

A judge heard from the prosecution and defense on Friday and will rule next monthA judge is expected to rule next month whether an Ocala barbershop owner was legally justified in fatally shooting a 44-year-old man during a dispute last year. James Smith, an Orlando lawyer representing Williams, told the court that the incident was a "tragic case of self-defense." He told the court DeWese gets aggressive when he drinks and that DeWese was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. Williams said DeWese is known to carry a gun and he (Williams) was scared on the day of the shooting. Williams told the court that, during his fight with DeWese, DeWese punched him in the head.

The arresting officer used a stun gun to subdue James Malcolm Bonner. A Morriston man who led Ocala Police Department officers on a high-speed chase in a pickup truck that was reported stolen from a dealership was arrested on Friday. Officer Austin Ridge used a stun gun to subdue James Malcolm Bonner after Bonner got out of the truck and ran, police said. He said he was shown the truck, and when the salesperson gave him the trucks key fob, he switched it with the blank key fob. Officials said the vehicle went off-road and got stuck in the 2400 block of Northwest Martin Luther King Avenue.

OCALA The last of four men accused in the theft of guns from the Ocala Rural King store has pleaded guilty. Christopher Louis Hooker faces 20 years in federal prison on a charge of interference with commerce by robbery as a result of his plea at the Ocala federal courthouse on Wednesday. The brothers were charged with two counts each of interference with commerce by robbery, federal officials said. Federal officials said Hampton, Augustus and Floyd were indicted on Oct. 2, two months after another Rural King burglary and robbery occurred in Zephyrhills. On Aug. 16, the same men used similar tactics at the Zephyrhills Rural King and took 15 guns, law enforcement officials said.

Manuel Jesus Tamay faces the charge of lewd and lascivious behavior on a child under 12. An Ocala Police Department detective arrested a 37-year-old man Friday on suspicion of sexually abusing a child over several months. Manuel Jesus Tamay faces the charge of lewd and lascivious behavior on a child under 12. The boy told an official at the center that Tamay touched his private area multiple times, according to OPD. Authorities estimate the inappropriate touching began early last year and continued until last month at a northeast Ocala home.

OCALA, Fla. – A 2-year-old child was alert and able to communicate after being accidentally shot by his or her juvenile sibling Friday afternoon, according to the Ocala Police Department. Police said the shooting happened on Northeast 21st Street around 12:45 p.m. The victim is in stable condition and was alert and able to speak on the way to an area hospital. Authorities did not release information about the age of the sibling who is believed to have accidentally fired the weapon. This is considered an isolated incident with no continued threat to the public,” officials said in a news release.