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    Ocala mother raped, robbed at knife-point

    9

    ocala-news, ocala post, rape, knife-point

    Ocala, Florida — A suspect who held a mother at knife-point and then raped her is on the run.

    The Ocala Police Department is trying to track down a man they say robbed and raped an Ocala mother on February 13, in the vicinity of Northwest 10th Street at approximately 7 a.m. in the morning.

    Police said that the mother had just dropped off her child to do volunteer work at a Citgo gas station.

    As the mother was walking home, a man approacher her, put a knife to her throat and stated: “I’m not going to hurt you, don’t look at me.”

    While holding a knife to the woman’s throat, he demanded money while searching her with his hands.

    The suspect robbed the mother of $2.00, a pocketknife, and a pack of cigarettes.

    The mother said the man then raped her.

    Sadly, police say the mother’s child might have witnessed the incident.

    Police said that security cameras did not capture the attack.

    The suspect kept his face covered, however, investigators were able to collect DNA samples and send them off for testing.

    If you have any information about these incidents, you are urged to call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or Tipsters can visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    Third juvenile arrested after making threats via Snapchat to commit mass shooting

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    ocala-news, ocala post, school threats, snapchat
    Romard Gordon

    A third juvenile has been arrested in association with threats made via Snapchat to shoot up Belleview Middle School and Belleview High School.

    On Tuesday, Detective Billy Burleson with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit arrested Romard Gordon, 16, after investigations revealed he was involved in making the threats against the Marion County schools.

    Gordon was charged with one felony count of Writing or Sending a Threat to Kill or Injure. He was arrested and transported to the Marion County Department of Juvenile Justice.

    Authorities were notified on February 12 after several juveniles reported seeing threats posted on Snapchat against a teacher and students at the school.

    Andrew Smith, 13, was arrested on February 13.

    Following his arrest, Smith stated that he made the threats because a teacher yelled at him while he was eating in the cafeteria.

    On February 12, Deniro Elliot Levarity, 14, a ninth-grader at Belleview High School, was arrested after he made threats to shoot up multiple Marion County Schools.

    OPD: Can you identify the thieves who stole from Lowe’s

    9

     

    lowes theft, ocala news, ocala post

    Ocala — The surveillance photos are badly distorted, but the Ocala Police Department needs your help with identifying two thieves who stole nearly $2,000 in merchandise from the Lowe’s located on East SR 40.

    Article continued below

    lowe's theft, ocala-news, ocala post

    On January 21, 2020, the two suspects, a black male, and a white or Hispanic male entered the store and walked out with several light fixtures and ceiling fans.

    According to OPD, the white or Hispanic male came back on January 22 and stole more merchandise.

    The store suffered a loss of $1,783.00

    If you can identify the suspects, in this case, please contact OPD Det. Gago at 352-369-7000.

    Snook season soon opens to recreational harvest in some Gulf waters

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    ocala-news, ocala post, snook season, florida fishing
    Photo courtesy of Jenny and Mark Nichols

    The recreational harvest season for snook opens March 1 in some Gulf waters, including Escambia through Hernando counties, and waters south of Gordon Pass in Collier County through Monroe County (also includes Everglades National Park).

    Snook remains catch-and-release only in state waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County (includes all of Pasco County, Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough County) through May 31, 2021, in response to the impacts of a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019.

    Because snook has a May 1-Aug. 31 annual season closure, this species would reopen Sept. 1, 2021.

    Unique to the region, snook is one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World.

    Seasonal harvest closures and anglers using proper handling methods when practicing catch-and-release help conserve Florida’s valuable snook populations and can ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come.

    Manhunt under way for person of interest in Crystal River shooting

    6

    david lemon, crystal river, shooting

    The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help in locating 25-year-old David Jerome Lemon, Jr.

    Lemon is wanted for questioning in the February 20, 2020, fatal shooting of Tyler Hopkins, 26, which took place in the quiet, peaceful town of Crystal River.

    Lemon is a black male, 5’7″ tall, weighing approximately 165lbs, typically wearing a short beard and medium length dreadlocks.

    Lemon is a convicted felon and has an active warrant. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Rumor has it that he might hang out in Marion County from time to time.

    That Thursday, a deputy responded to the area after someone reported hearing gunshots near Copeland Park. However, the report of gunshots quickly turned into a homicide investigation.

    The shooting had occurred in the front yard of a residence off of Northeast 1st Street in Crystal River, FL.

    During the investigation, the deputy learned that prior to his arrival, Hopkins had been transported to Seven Rivers Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds where he was pronounced deceased.

    “At this time, Major Crime detectives are working diligently to make sure we turn over every stone. We will unwaveringly continue our investigation into the unfortunate death of our victim, Tyler Hopkins,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Tyler.”

    The CCSO said they would prefer for Lemon to turn himself in.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at 352-726-1121, or to remain anonymous please call Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.

    One person extricated following multi-vehicle crash

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    Ocala — Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving a sedan, a pick-up truck, and a compact SUV Monday in the area of the 1800 block of Northwest 10th St.

    The crash happened at approximately 4:40 p.m.

    Two of the vehicles — the sedan, and pick-up truck — were involved in a head-on collision. First responders arrived to find that one of the occupants was trapped and needed to be extricated from the sedan.

    According to OFR, the drivers who were involved in the head-on collision were transported to the hospital while the driver and passenger of the compact SUV were not injured.

    OFR Engines 1 and 3, Rescue 3, Tower 1, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.

    The Ocala Police Department and Marion Fire Rescue also responded.

    The crash is under investigation.

    Seven displaced following early morning fire

    2

    ocala-news, duplex fire

    Seven people were displaced after an early morning fire destroyed their home Monday.

    According to a press release, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to the residential fire in the 1100 block of Northeast Ninth Ave., at 7:31 a.m.

    When units arrived, the single-level duplex was already 30 percent engulfed in flames.

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    duplex fire, ocala-news, ocala post

    Firefighters were informed that no one was inside and immediately began extinguishing the fire.

    OFR said they had the fire under control by 7:35 a.m.

    The American Red Cross was contacted and is helping the families.

    OFR Engines 1, 3, and 5, Rescue 1, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer responded to the call.

    The Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.

    Ocala Police Department is investigating a Missing Person case

    6
    Shamara T. McCants, 20, ocala-news, ocala post, misisng
    Shamara T. McCants, 20–Photos provided by the family

    UPDATED: She has been found safe.

    Ocala — The Ocala Police Department is currently investigating a Missing Person case involving Shamara T. McCants, 20.

    McCants was last seen at “Raw Hyde Live”, located at 718 S. Pine Ave. at approximately 1:20 AM.

    Her last contact with anyone was via cell phone at 2:37 AM when she texted a friend.

    “As of now (since the text message), McCants has not returned home and she has not had any contact with any friends or family members, nor has she had any posts on her social media account. The family is now very concerned. A case (202000033458) has been generated by our agency and all attempts to locate her have met with negative results,” OPD stated in a press release.

    If anyone has information regarding her whereabouts or events surrounding her evening, please contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, if you see her, call 911.

    Boyfriend who dragged, ran over and killed girlfriend, arrested

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    ocala-news, ocala post, killer, hit-and-run, murder
    44-year-old Ryan Le Boss

    The Florida Highway Patrol stated Sunday that nine hours after Eileen Bocca, 48, died from her injuries after being run over by her boyfriend, an arrest has been made.

    At approximately 5:05 p.m on Saturday, witnesses saw a black 2001 Ford F-350 pickup truck recklessly swerving onto the grass shoulder of southbound I-75 just south of exit 399 in Alachua county.

    A white male with short dark hair, later identified as 44-year-old Ryan Le Boss, was driving and the passenger door was open with Bocca hanging out of it.

    According to witnesses, Bocca was dragged for several hundred feet while holding onto the door.

    Troopers said that when Bocca fell from the pickup, Boss ran over her with the right rear tire.

    Boss then fled southbound on I-75 and was last seen exiting at the 390-mile marker (39th Avenue) and exit in an unknown direction.

    Bocca was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

    Nine hours later, Boss was located and apprehended without incident at his residence in Columbia County.

    More details will be released as they are made available.

    OPD: Can you identify this lady?

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    Ocala News, Ocala Post, Wawa, Marion county news

    The Ocala Police Department needs the public’s help identifying a woman who was involved in an altercation on February 19.

    The altercation took place at Wawa, located at 3601 East Silver Springs Blvd at approximately 10:55 a.m.

    According to OPD, the female was driving a white Ford F150 extended cab with a silver toolbox in the bed of the truck.

    Investigators say they need to identify the female to proceed with their investigation.

    Details surrounding the altercation were not immediately known.

    Anyone with any information about the identity of this woman is encouraged to contact Officer Tuck at 352-369-7000.

    Residents encouraged to sign up for chronic health condition management classes

    ocala-news, ocala post, marion county news, health

    Marion County — Managing chronic health conditions can be overwhelming, but it’s a reality that many residents face.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 78 percent of US adults age 55 and over have at least one chronic condition, 47 percent have two chronic conditions, and 19 percent have three.

    The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is hosting classes in Ocala and Marion Oaks starting in March to help alleviate the stress of chronic illness by helping residents get the tools they need to age as healthfully as possible.

    Residents are invited to join the “Live a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” workshop series to take a step toward a healthier tomorrow. Sponsored by Elder Options, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Health Network and the Florida Department of Health, the six-class series will help individuals learn more about the changes they can make to their daily habits to best manage their chronic condition and promote healthy aging. The workshops will be held:

    Thursdays, March 5 to April 9, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala, FL 34471. To register, contact Brenda Williams at 352-812-2059.

    Tuesdays, March 10 to April 14, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Marion Oaks Community Center, 280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala, FL 34473. To register, contact Kari Coates at 352-438-2831.

    The sessions are open to anyone to attend; individuals who are age 65 and older and/or Medicare recipients are particularly encouraged to go to the classes. Interested residents should pre-register to ensure sufficient class materials are available.

    To register or find out more information, contact Demi Danso at 352-644-2618 or Demi.Danso@FLHealth.gov.

    SWAT called after two barricade themselves inside Ocklawaha home

    ocala-news, ocala news, ocala post, ocklawaha
    Karlos Macias, 34, and Trina Shepherd, 30

    Ocklawaha, Florida — Two Ocklawaha residents, Karlos Macias, 34, and Trina Shepherd, 30, were arrested Friday after a brief standoff with SWAT.

    Marion County deputies say they were attempting to serve warrants on the two suspects when they barricaded themselves inside their residence.

    At that time, the SWAT team was called to the scene.

    Shepherd had a warrant for failure to appear in court on previous drug charges.

    She is facing charges for failure to appear for previous charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

    Macias is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, and Resisting Arrest.

    The SWAT team was able to take both suspects into custody shortly after arrival.

    Shepherd and Macias are being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.

    Macias has a lengthy criminal record in multiple counties.

    Shepherd has previous drug-related arrests.

    AGM Roofing & Tree Service says they are hiring, but are tired of lame excuses

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    AGM Roofing & Tree Service says they are looking for serious workers who want a good paying, real job.

    The owner, Tommy Lea, said previous employees never want to show up. He said they want to get paid but don’t want to do the work.

    He said these are the excuses he gets most frequently as to why an employee cannot show up for work:

    • I stayed up late playing video games
    • I have a flat tire (once a week)
    • I have the Flu (every month)
    • I have to take my mom to the doctor

    The company said they need experienced roofing crews in Ocala and it’s top pay. The job is for shingles and metal mostly.

    “If you have problems showing up late every day please don’t waste our time,” Lea said.

    This is a real job! Contact me if you are interested at 352-207-3599.

    Video of near fatal crash, booking photos of juveniles released

    Video submitted to Ocala Post — Audio has been removed

    Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is charging nine counts of Burglary-Unoccupied Conveyance-Unarmed and 1 count of Grand Theft to all seven juveniles involved in a serious traffic crash Monday.

    Additionally, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is charging all 7 with Grand Theft Auto in reference to the brown pickup truck.

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    ocalanews, ocala post, car crash with juveniles, car catches fire

    • Davion Williams, 14, thew driver of the Ford pickup truck is in critical condition
    • Andre Scott, 15, the passenger inside truck is in critical condition
    • Earl Clarkston, 16, passenger inside truck had minor injuries, released from the hospital
    • Sean Agee, 11, passenger in bed of truck had Non-life threatening injuries
    • Odis Hill, 16, passenger in bed of truck had minor injuries was released from the hospital
    • Deaundre Butler, 16, passenger in bed of truck. He was reported missing out of Tampa by family, no injuries
    • Ahmad Knowles, 14, passenger in bed of truck. Non-life threatening injuries

    The investigation is ongoing and the juveniles could face additional charges.

    Ocala Post will release all booking photos as they become available.

    Original Story

    On Monday, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a serious crash where some of the occupants had been ejected.

    The accident happened in the 6100 block of West Highway 40, at 7:24 a.m. OFR Engine 6, Rescues 3 and 4, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.

    According to a press release, when OFR crews arrived at the scene they observed multiple patients on the ground and a vehicle on fire.

    Three vehicles were involved in the accident; a brown pick-up truck, a white pick-up truck, and a compact SUV.

    “The brown pick-up truck was occupied by seven individuals – five of which were seated in the bed of the truck and ejected upon impact. The white pick-up truck and compact SUV each held one occupant,” OFR stated in a press release.

    Three drivers and six passengers were transported to local hospitals.

    The Ocala Police Department has since released more details about the crash.

    OPD officials say that seven teens from Tampa were in a brown 1989 Ford pickup truck that had been reported stolen from Dunnellon after their stolen Durango got a flat tire.

    Marion County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the truck after it was reported stolen, but say they did not initiate a high-speed pursuit due to the fact that the bed of the truck was occupied by juveniles.

    According to OPD, when the driver of the truck, a 14-year-old boy, spotted the patrol car, he allegedly sped away at a high rate of speed. A short time later, the boy lost control of the truck near the 6100 block of West SR 40, near Southwest 60th Avenue and skid into oncoming traffic. The Ford then crashed into two vehicles.

    The pickup truck then burst into flames.

    Police said cash, weapons, clothes, credit cards, keys, ammunition, and several other miscellaneous items were strewed on the ground following the crash.

    According to OPD, the 14-year-old and his 15-year-old passenger were seriously injured and remain in critical condition.

    OPD said of the five other juveniles — ages 11 to 16 — four were injured and one was not.

    The two drivers of the other vehicles were treated and released from the hospital.

    The juveniles are accused of going on a crime spree in which they committed several auto burglaries in the Fore Ranch area. Some of those items were recovered at the site of the crash.

    Seven juveniles charged with felonies following near deadly crash

    ocala-news, ocala post, serios crash
    Submitted photo

    On Monday, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a serious crash where some of the occupants had been ejected.

    The accident happened in the 6100 block of West Highway 40, at 7:24 a.m. OFR Engine 6, Rescues 3 and 4, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer were dispatched to the call.

    According to a press release, when OFR crews arrived at the scene they observed multiple patients on the ground and a vehicle on fire.

    Three vehicles were involved in the accident; a brown pick-up truck, a white pick-up truck, and a compact SUV.

    Article continued below

    Ocala news, Ocala Post, car accident

    “The brown pick-up truck was occupied by seven individuals – five of which were seated in the bed of the truck and ejected upon impact. The white pick-up truck and compact SUV each held one occupant,” OFR stated in a press release.

    Three drivers and six passengers were transported to local hospitals.

    The Ocala Police Department has since released more details about the crash.

    OPD officials say that seven teens from Tampa were in a brown 1989 Ford pickup truck that had been reported stolen from Dunnellon after their stolen Durango got a flat tire.

    Marion County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the truck after it was reported stolen, but say they did not initiate a high-speed pursuit due to the fact that the bed of the truck was occupied by juveniles.

    According to OPD, when the driver of the truck, a 14-year-old boy, spotted the patrol car, he allegedly sped away at a high rate of speed. A short time later, the boy lost control of the truck near the 6100 block of West SR 40, near Southwest 60th Avenue and skid into oncoming traffic. The Ford then crashed into two vehicles.

    The pickup truck then burst into flames.

    Police said cash, weapons, clothes, credit cards, ammunition, and several other miscellaneous items were strewed on the ground following the crash.

    According to OPD, the 14-year-old and his 15-year-old passenger were seriously injured.

    OPD said of the five other juveniles — ages 11 to 16 — four were injured and one was not.

    The two drivers of the other vehicles were treated and released from the hospital.

    The juveniles are accused of going on a crime spree in which they committed several auto burglaries in the Fore Ranch area. Some of those items were recovered at the site of the crash.

    All seven juveniles are being charged with Grand Theft Auto, Burglary, and Theft.

    Logan’s Roadhouse, Ocala, closes its doors for good, others will likely follow

    ocala-news, ocala post, logan's
    Logan’s Roadhouse

    Employees say they were not given an explanation prior to the closing and were notified at 2 p.m on February 19.

    Logan’s Roadhouse, located at 2621 SW 19th Avenue Rd., announced the closing to the public by posting a sign on the front door.

    To Our Valued Guests:

    “We’ve enjoyed serving you, your families, and friends over the past several years. The moments you’ve shared with our team have been phenomenal and we appreciate the support you’ve shown us. Unfortunately, this location is now closed.”

    The Facebook page for the Ocala location has since been taken down.

    This is the second Logan’s Roadhouse to close this week. Logan’s Roadhouse at The Highlands in WV also shut their doors.

    Employees stated they showed up for their shift on Tuesday and were locked out.

    On Wednesday, people were tearing down signs from the building.

    The Nashville-based restaurant chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on August 8, 2016, with plans to restructure its operations and close 18 locations. At that time, Logan’s said in a statement that its CEO, Sam Borgese, would leave the company.

    Logan’s had to borrow $25 million in funds to keep operating while in bankruptcy.

    The company has been struggling financially since the announcement.

    Logan’s has been controlled since 2010 by Kelso & Co, a New York-based private equity firm.

    A spokesperson said it is likely that other restaurants will close in the weeks to follow.

    Comments open below

    School bus driver cited for careless driving following crash

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    ocala news, ocala post, school bus crash

    Three children were injured and transported to Advent Health Wednesday after their school bus struck a SUV.

    Florida Highway Patrol troopers said a Marion County School bus, driven by Stephen Nelson, 76, was traveling west on County Road 316 when it slammed into the the rear of a 2007 Yukon, driven by Chris Handley of Salt Springs.

    The Yukon was on County Road 316 waiting to make a left turn.

    The bus was transporting 38 elementary and middle school students from Fort McCoy School. Three of the students were transported to Advent Health for evaluation.

    Nelson was cited for careless driving.

    Federal appeals court rules against DeSantis, felons who owe fines can vote

    Ocala news, felons voting rights, Ocala post

    A federal appeals court Wednesday ruled that felons cannot be kept from voting simply because they failed to pay fines, fees, and restitution resulting from their cases.

    This ruling has angered Republican sheriff’s across Florida, as felons typically vote Democrat.

    Julie Ebenstein, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project, said, “The court unanimously ruled that a person’s right to vote is not contingent upon their ability to pay. This law pushed by Gov. DeSantis is a modern-day poll tax.”

    According to Ebenstein, the new ruling came after 17 felons sued Florida. The ruling applies to the 17 felons, but will pave the way for 1.4 million Floridians to have there voting rights restored following an April trial that will challenge the 2019 law. The same Judge who ruled in favor of the felons on Wednesday will also oversee the April trial.

    Gov. DeSantis, who was angry over the ruling, says he plans to appeal the courts decision.

    In 2018, 65 percent of Floridians voted to approve Amendment 4, which restored the right to vote for felons.

    Ebenstein said Florida voted to restore the voting rights of felons who have served there time and the governor undermining that vote by attempting to  circumvent the system.

    Ebentein is excpecting the case to end up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and is confident the court will rule the same as Wednesday.

    We want to hear from you. What do you think?

    All three species will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2021

    0

    Ocala news, Ocala Post, fishing, Florida fishing

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will extend catch-and-release measures for snook, red drum, and spotted seatrout for an additional year via an Executive Order.

    All three species will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2021, in all waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County.

    These temporary regulation changes were made to help conserve these popular inshore species that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019.

    Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”

    View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “February 19-20, 2020.”

    Burger King employee faces 69 counts of fraud

    ocala-news, ocala post, belleview, Sabra Flame Enslin
    Sabra Flame Enslin

    Note: A previous version of this story had the suspects age as 48. 

    A Burger King employee is facing 69 counts of Felony Fraud-Fraudulently Obtained or False Receipt after her employer realized she had been stealing from the Belleview fast food restaurant.

    Sabra Flame Enslin, 28, stole $1,436.57 from the Burger King, located at 5609 Abshire Blvd., over a two-month time frame — from December 2019 to February 2020.

    According to the arrest affidavit, Enslin would void out receipts from unsuspecting customers and then pocket the money.

    When confronted, Enslin confessed.

    “I Have done it a few times, I’m not going to lie,” Enslin told investigators.

    She is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $36,000 bond. Her next court date is slated for March 17.

    Enslin has previous arrests for Robbery, Assault, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Injury, Threat to Do Violence, and Driving While License Suspended (Habitual).