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    Man pretended to be injured, sexually assaulted little girl

    Ocala Post
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    Man pretended to be injured, sexually assaulted little girl
    ocala news, rape, sexual assault, marion county news
    Sydney Markland

    A Marion County man accused of luring an 8-year-old girl into his home with a bucket of chicken and then sexually assaulting her.

    The incident occurred in July of 2016, at 18 Bahia Loop, Ocala.

    The victim told authorities that she knew the man, identified as Sydney Allan Markland, 68, from the neighborhood. Markland is also known in the neighborhood as “Dread”.

    According to reports, the girl was walking to a friend’s residence when Markland told her that he was hurt and needed help carrying a bucket of chicken.

    Once inside the home, Markland forced himself onto the girl and sexually assaulted her.

    According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab, DNA samples taken from the victim’s clothing positively matched Markland’s DNA profile.

    Markland said he assaulted the girl because she was wearing “provocative clothing”.

    Markland stated that the little girl’s “actions suggested that she was consenting to sex”. He said in his culture this type of behavior is acceptable.

    Markland was arrested on May 12, and charged with Sexual Assault on a Victim Under 12, Molestation of a Victim Under 12, and Luring or Enticing A Child Under 12.

    He is being held without bond.

    If you believe your child had inappropriate contact Markland, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111, Crime Stoppers at 352-368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

    Man faces 22 charges for chop shop operation

    Ocala Post
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    2
    Man faces 22 charges for chop shop operation
    ocala chop shop, ocala news, marion county news, ocala post
    Larry Smallwood

    Ocala, Florida — Smallwood Auto Salvage, located at 601 Southwest 27th Avenue, was determined to be a chop shop following a Florida Department of Motor Vehicle and multiple law enforcement agency inspection.

    On Wednesday, following a thorough investigation, the Ocala Police Department arrested Larry Smallwood, 60, and charged him with: Dealer Failing to Notify the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and Have a Title (x9), Failure to Have Endorsed Title and Record of Sale (x9), Possession of a Vehicle without a (VIN) Vehicle Identification Number (x2), and Operating a Chop Shop. Additionally, he was charged for one count of Grand Theft Auto related to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office case.

    Smallwood had been purchasing stolen vehicles for approximately $100 to $300, and then salvaging them for parts. He claimed the vehicles came in a scrap, however, one of the vehicles was a stolen 2017 Toyota Tundra. The truck had been stripped of its engine, transmission, wheels and tires, front end, exhaust, and center console.

    Two of the vehicles located at the property had the VIN plates removed.

    Smallwood admitted that he knew he was supposed to report the vehicles to NMVITS. He told detectives he did not do it because it was too much money.

    According to the seven page arrest affidavit, DMV investigators also learned that Smallwood was not licensed to operate a salvage or tow yard.

    Smallwood is being held on a $44,000 bond.

    Mother shops, leaves toddler in running vehicle

    Ocala Post
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    Mother shops, leaves toddler in running vehicle
    Sofia MacFarlnd, child neglect, child abuse, leave chil din car, ocala news, marion county news
    Sofia MacFarlnd

    Ocala, Florida — A 31-year-old mother was arrested early Thursday morning after she left a 2-year-old locked in a vehicle while she shopped in Wal-Mart, located at 2600 Southwest 19th Avenue.

    The Ocala Police Department received a call at approximately 12 a.m. from a Wal-Mart employee, who reported the incident.

    According to reports, the employee stood next to the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes until police could arrive.

    When the mother, Sofia MacFarland, exited Wal-Mart, she told police that she had not planned to be inside the store that long. She had taken her 6-month old in the store with her.

    MacFarland told police she left the keys in the ignition and the car running so the child would not overheat. She said she did it because her son was sleepy.

    MacFarland was arrested and charged with Leaving an Unattended Child in a Running Vehicle.

    MacFarland has previous arrests for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Narcotic Equipment), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Revoked License, Violation of Probation, and Introducing Contraband into a Detention Facility.

    She was released on a $500.00 bond.

    The children were released into the custody of a family member.

    The Department of Children and Families was notified by OPD.

    Multiple shootings Sunday morning, three arrested, investigation ongoing

    Ocala Post
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    Multiple shootings Sunday morning, three arrested, investigation ongoing

    shooting_opd
    Russell E. Tolbert, [left], Jerell T. Mack, and Ge’Audray T. Fluker.
    Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police Department  Major Crimes Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday at approximately 3 a.m.

    OPD Lt. Angy Scroble said that two men were shot.

    The victims were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

    The shooting occurred in the area of Northwest 12th Street and Northwest 13th Avenue.

    According to reports, the incident may have involved a crowd that had disbursed from the Colosseum Night Club just moments before the shooting.

    In a separate case, three men were arrested after they fired shots at a passing motorist in the area of 1914 Southwest 3rd Street, Ocala.

    Police responded to the shooting at approximately 3:43 a.m.

    Police said the victim was not injured. However, one of the bullets struck the victim’s vehicle.

    The victim told police he was passing through the neighborhood when someone began firing shots. The victim fled the scene and drove to the nearest business where he called 911.

    When police arrived, they found three black males leaning up against a silver Chevy Impala;  Jerell T. Mack, 27, Ge’Audray T. Fluker, 25, and Russell E. Tolbert, 27.

    The victim was able to positively identify the shooter, later identified by police as Mack.

    According to reports, there were two firearms in plain sight inside the Impala — a .380 Semi-Automatic Smith & Wesson and a .40 Caliber Glock P23. Both weapons had previously been reported stolen.

    During the investigation, detectives learned that the men might have been involved in the earlier shooting, therefore police had the Impala towed to OPD for further investigation.

    The vehicle is registered to Fluker’s father.

    OPD detectives later learned that convicted felon, Terrance Woods, was the person who shot the two men in the area of Northwest 12th Street and Northwest 13th Avenue. Woods is facing charges of Second-degree Murder.

    Mack was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

    Tolbert was charged with Possession of Marijuana.

    Fluker was charged with Possession of Stolen Firearms (x2) and Possession of marijuana.

    According to court records, all three suspects are convicted felons with lengthy criminal records.

    No further information is available at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

    If you have any information about Woods’ whereabouts, please call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP. Tipsters can also visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.

    Two arrested in Citgo gas station robbery

    Ocala Post
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    Two arrested in Citgo gas station robbery

     

    ocala news, ocala post, marion county news
    Avery G. Patterson [left] and Jamonta T. Jamerson
    Two people were arrested following an armed robbery at the Citgo gas station, located at 1517 Southwest 10th Street, Ocala.

    The Ocala Police Department received a call at approximately  5 a.m., Saturday, about the robbery, which had just taken place.

    According to reports, the clerk told police that the robber entered the store, pointed a handgun in his face, and stated “hurry up”. The clerk then emptied the money into a plastic bag.

    The suspect then fled the store on foot and entered a vehicle that had been waiting for him in the Center’s parking lot.

    Consequently, Ocala police were already conducting surveillance on the store with the use of an electronic device.

    Police quickly set up a perimeter, and due to observant witnesses, police were able to track the robbery suspect, identified as Avery G. Patterson Jr., 20, to a residence in the 2600 block of Northwest 19th Avenue.

    Police also located the getaway driver, Jamonta T. Jamerson, 19, and the blue Mazda that was driven by the suspect.

    Upon searching the vehicle, police found a semi-automatic handgun, some of the cash taken from the store, and the electronic surveillance device.

    Patterson told police he had been fired from his job at Sonic and needed the money to fix his car and pay traffic citations.

    Jamerson stated that when police pulled up into the yard, he tried to flush part of the stolen money down the toilet. He said he received half of the money in return for being the getaway driver.

    Patterson and Jamerson were arrested and charged with Robbery with a Firearm.

    Patterson has a previous arrest for Battery.

    Jamerson has previous arrests for Grand Theft of a Firearm and Unlicensed Electric Weapon (x2).

    The robbers are being held on a $50,000 bond each.

    Woman hit, killed pedestrian, released from jail

    Ocala Post
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    Woman hit, killed pedestrian, released from jail
    ocala news, marion ocunty news, hit-and-run, fatal crash, ocala post
    Brittney Titus

    [Last updated on May 10, 2017, at 1:22 p.m.]

    Ocala, Florida — On May 6, a 26-year-old Crystal River woman was arrested Saturday night after she struck a pedestrian with her car and fled the scene.

    The Pedestrian, Chad E. Judd, 45, was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he later died.

    The Ocala Police Department received a call from a witness who was able to follow the vehicle that fled the scene.

    The witness told police that the driver, later identified as Brittney Titus, was driving a silver Toyota when she struck a man crossing the street in the 2600 block of State Road 200. Titus then sped off. The witness said the man was carrying food at the time he was hit.

    The witness continued to follow Titus and was able to lead police to the area of Southwest 19th Avenue Road and Southwest 80th Street.

    Police said they were able to locate Titus’ vehicle, which had front end damage and a shattered windshield.

    According to reports, Titus told police she was on her way to Taco Bell when she drove through an intersection and “hit something”.

    Titus stated that she pulled into a parking lot and then re-entered the road way when another vehicle pulled up next to her. Titus said that when she drove off the car began to follow her, at which time she turned down a side road.

    Titus told police that she did not know her way around Ocala and was trying to find her way back to State Road 200.

    When asked if she looked to see what she hit; Titus stated, “it was way back there” and that she “just started freaking out”.

    Police also asked her if she had a working cell phone. Titus said that she did have a cell phone, but did not call 911 because she did not know what to do.

    Titus was arrested and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Fatality.

    Titus was also cited for careless driving on April 5, after she caused a car crash on State Road 200.

    On May 7, Titus was released from jail on a $25,000 bond.

    Amber Alert for 5-year-old Marion County girl

    Ocala Post
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    Amber Alert for 5-year-old Marion County girl

     

    amber alert, marion county, ocala news,

    The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has issued a Florida Amber Alert for a 5-year-old girl from Marion County.

    According to FDLE, Alexandria Green was last seen in the 10000 block of Southwest 186th Avenue in Dunnellon.

    Authorities said she could be in the company of Alan Green, 55, and Mechealine Mazakis, 47.

    Green has a tattoo on his left bicep and on the left side of his chest.

    She was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt with the wording “Mac and Cheese,” dark colored shorts — possibly black or blue — and flip flops.

    They may be traveling in a blue 2014 Scion xB, Florida tag AMLC10.

    Anyone with any information on Alexandria’s whereabouts can 911, or contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111.

    Video: MCSO deputy breaks three laws in less than 10 seconds

    Ocala Post
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    Video: MCSO deputy breaks three laws in less than 10 seconds

    stop sign_3On April 28, 2017, a dash cam captured video of a Marion County sheriff’s deputy breaking three laws in less than 10 seconds.

    The deputy in the video can be seen rolling through a stop sign, pulling out in front of another vehicle, and operating at twilight hours (dusk) with no headlights.

    Under Florida statute 316.217, every vehicle operated upon a highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as herein respectively required under the following conditions;

    • (a) At any time from sunset to sunrise including the twilight hours. Twilight hours shall mean the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise.
    • (b) During any rain, smoke, or fog.

    Due to the overhanging trees on 475A, visibility is further limited during twilight hours.

    Under Florida Statute 316.123, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.

    316.192 Reckless driving —

    • (1)(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. In Florida, a person can be arrested for reckless driving.

    At minimum, running a stop sign and nearly causing an accident could be considered careless driving.

    To some, the video might not seem like a big deal. However, one could argue that a civilian most certainly would face punishment had the situation been reversed.

    What do you think about the video?

    Rain: Drive with your headlights on, it’s the law

    Fog: Drive with your headlights on; it’s the law

    Woman arrested after witnesses pulled her from an overturned vehicle

    Ocala Post
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    Woman arrested after witnesses pulled her from an overturned vehicle
    Dawn Haas, hit and run, crash, ocala news, 200 crash, state road 200 crash, marion county news
    Dawn Haas

    Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman was arrested Saturday after she fled the scene of an accident on State Road 200.

    Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Dawn Haas, 35, was driving a 2016 Chevy eastbound on State Road 200 when she slammed into the rear-end of a 2013 Hyundai SUV, driven by 70-year-old Bernadette Cason.

    Both vehicles were in motion at the time of the collision.

    According to reports, the Hyundai exited the roadway, struck a curb, and stopped on the shoulder.

    Haas lost control of her Chevy and it overturned in the outside lane of State Road 200.

    Troopers said witnesses then pulled Haas from her vehicle. Witnesses told troopers that as they diverted their attention to the 70-year-old, Haas fled the scene.

    A short time later, Haas was located at a Wal-Mart and was returned to the crash scene.

    While troopers were interviewing Haas, she began to complain of injuries. She was then transported to a hospital where she fled on foot.

    A BOLO was issued for Haas and she was located at her residence by an Ocala Police Department police officer. The officer held her until FHP arrived.

    Haas was arrested and charged with Hit-and-Run-Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Damage, Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License, and Resisting Arrest.

    Haas was also arrested in 2015 after leaving the scene of an accident.

    She was released on a $3,000 bond.

    Cason is expected to make a full recovery.

    Witness saved girl from being attacked by her father while in traffic

    Ocala Post
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    Witness saved girl from being attacked by her father while in traffic
    ocala news, marion county news, ocala post, child abuse
    Victor Montes

    Ocala, Florida — Ocala police say a witness called 911 after she witnessed a man beating on a teenage girl while stopped in the middle of traffic. The witness told dispatchers that she saw the man punch the girl in the face with his fist.

    The victim, 16, told police that she had been disciplined for her behavior in school, and that the school had notified her father, Victor Manuel Montes Jr, 53,

    The 16-year-old told police that when her father arrived to pick her up he was angry. The teen said the two of them started to argue, at which time her father began to punch her in the face with a closed fist while sitting in his vehicle. Montes had already left the school and was stopped in traffic.

    The teen stated that she tried to defend herself and punched her father back.

    According to reports, the teen and her father then exited the vehicle.

    Once outside the vehicle, the witness stated that the father continued to hit the girl until they both fell to the ground and began to wrestle with one another.

    Multiple witnesses reported that during the struggle, Montes grabbed the girl by the back of her hair and pulled her head backward.

    Police said Montes received several scratches due to the fact that the teen was trying to defend herself while Montes was pulling her hair.

    According to reports, the witness who called 911 pulled the teen into [her] vehicle and kept her safe until police arrived.

    Police said that the teen does not live with her father, but he had to pick her up because the girl’s mother was working.

    Montes told police that his daughter has been a “behavioral problem”, but denied punching her. However, he did admit to backhanding his daughter in the face.

    Montes was arrested and charged with Child Abuse-Cruelty Toward a Child.

    Woman forced off road, refused to date ex-boyfriend

    Ocala Post
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    Woman forced off road, refused to date ex-boyfriend
    stalker, shawn patel, ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, corrupt MCSO
    Shawn Patel

    Ocala, Florida — A 29-year-old man was arrested after he ran his ex-girlfriend off of the road with his vehicle.

    After receiving a 911 call, Ocala police responded to the Walgreens, located at 3500 Southeast Maricamp Road, where they met with the female victim.

    The victim told police that she had been dating Shawn Patel for approximately a year, but had recently ended the relationship.

    According to the victim, she had agreed to meet Patel at a Starbucks so they could discuss their relationship. She said that during the conversation, Patel expressed to her that he wanted to “get back together”. However, she declined.

    Police said Patel then became angry and engaged in a verbal argument with the victim.

    The victim told Patel that “she didn’t want to fight”, exited the business, and left in her vehicle.

    The victim said Patel also exited and began to follow her with his vehicle.

    According to reports, while the victim was driving eastbound on Southeast Maricamp Road in the outside lane, Patel steered his vehicle toward the driver’s side door of the victim’s car. At that time, the victim drove off the road and onto the grassy shoulder, where she nearly slammed into a telephone pole.

    The victim then reentered the roadway and Patel followed her.

    That is when the victim drove to the Walgreens.

    Once at the store, Patel entered the victim’s vehicle and refused to leave.

    According to reports, Patel stated, “I am not leaving unless the cops get here and arrest me.”

    When Police asked Patel what happened, he stated, “You already talked to [her] right? Then I am sure whatever she told you is what happened.”

    Police said that while they were on the scene, Patel was also smoking a blunt.

    Patel was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Dating Violence and Possession of Marijuana.

    He was released on a $1,000 bond.

    Troopers take $43,805 from vehicle, no arrests made

    Ocala Post
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    Troopers take $43,805 from vehicle, no arrests made

    fhp, cash seized, ocala news, marion county news,
    Trooper Luis Rios counts cash from a seizure in Jacksonville. [File photo – not the cash seized during the Thursday, April 20, traffic stop]
    Florida Highway Patrol troopers seized $43,805 Thursday during a traffic stop on I-75.

    Troopers said they stopped a Ford F-150 at Mile Marker 371 for a traffic violation, at which time they deployed a FHP K-9.

    According to reports, the dog alerted on the truck and troopers found the cash in the center console.

    The driver, Ryan Miller, 39, and his passenger, Jerdy Miller, 41, both from the Miami area, denied ownership of the money.

    FHP said that once the men denied ownership, the money was considered forfeited.

    Troopers then confiscated the cash.

    No drugs were found inside the truck and the men were not arrested.

    What do you think about troopers seizing the cash?

    Marion County Animal Center, Neuter Commuter, routine closure

    Ocala Post
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    Marion County Animal Center, Neuter Commuter, routine closure

    animal control marion county, animal services, ocala news, marion county news

    The Marion County Animal Center and the Neuter Commuter will be closing for quarterly cleaning, training, and maintenance.

    They will close on April 26, and reopen on April 29. The Neuter Commuter will re-open on May 4.

    While closed, anyone looking for a lost pet can view stray animals online at http://www.marioncountyfl.org/animalservices.

    Residents who wish to make animal-related complaints can call 352-671-8727, as animal control will remain open.

    Ocala Police Department National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

    Ocala Post
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    Ocala Police Department National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

    dea, drug take back, ocala police department, national drug take back

    The Ocala Police Department, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

    The event will be held at the Ocala Police Department, located at 402 South Pine Avenue, Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    What you can bring:

    • Unwanted or expired prescription pills
    • Patches

    What you cannot bring:

    • Liquids
    • Needles or Sharps

    According to a press release, in October of 2016, residents turned in over 730,000 pounds of prescription drugs at 9,200 sites operated by the DEA, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    The Take Back is a completely anonymous, no questions asked event.

    Call 1-800-882-9539, for a drop off location near you.

    Hay Meat Market EBT fraud investigation, second person arrested

    Ocala Post
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    Hay Meat Market EBT fraud investigation, second person arrested
    hay meat market, ebt fraud, food stamps, ocala news, marion county corrupt sheriff
    Liteasha Marquee Johnson

    A second woman was arrested after a March 4, federal search warrant was served on the Hay Meat Market, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    Agents say Liteasha Marquee Johnson, 36, enter the Hay Meat Market on January 6, and charged $455.85 to her EBT, but left the store with only a few items.

    On February 11, Johnson charged $263.35 to EBT card, and again, left the store with a few items.

    Agents reported that Johnson had a small brown paper bag in her possession each time she left the store.

    The store’s owner, Soriany Lim, previously told investigators that she would place cash inside of brown paper bags and give it to the customer after each EBT transaction had been completed. Investigators said that Lim had been paying customers 50 cents per dollar for EBT benefits.

    Agents confronted Johnson at her residence, however, she denied receiving cash in exchange for EBT benefits.

    Agents then showed Johnson surveillance photos, at which time she acknowledged it was her in the photos. Johnson continued to deny that she ever sold her EBT benefits and told agents that she did not wish to speak with them.

    USDA agents left her property, but returned with a warrant.

    Johnson was arrested and charged with two counts of Public Assistance Fraud.

    Johnson has previous arrests for Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License (x7, Habitual offender), Providing False Name to Law Enforcement, Criminal Mischief with Property Damage, Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Flee and Elude Police, Battery, and Felony Criminal Mischief.

    Marcia Michelle Mason, 39, was the first to be arrested following the search warrant at the Hay Meat Market.

    Father arrested for child abuse, 4-month-old suffered severe injuries

    Ocala Post
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    Father arrested for child abuse, 4-month-old suffered severe injuries
    child abuse, ocala news, ocala post, child beating, baby
    Joshua Hand

    Ocala, Florida — A 32-year-old man accused of beating his 4-month-old daughter was released from Jail Friday on a $10,000 bond.

    Investigators with the Ocala Police Department were notified by the Department of Children and Families after UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital reported that the baby had a broken femur.

    Doctors with Shands told authorities that the injury did not appear to be accidental.

    The father, Joshua A. Hand, told investigators that he was changing the baby’s diaper when he noticed that her right leg “seemed to fall down” when he “picked up on it”.

    Hand stated that the baby’s leg “fell as though there were no muscle tone to slow it from falling”.

    Hand said he noticed that the baby had been “a little more fussy” over the past few days and decided to take [her] to Shands.

    According to reports, Hand and his wife were the only two caregivers for the child.

    Medical reports indicated that the baby had multiple fractures, including a displaced transverse mid shaft femur (thighbone) fracture, several posterior rib fractures, and a right metaphyseal tibial corner fracture.

    A transverse fracture is a straight horizontal break going through the mid shaft of the femur. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body. Doctors said it would take a tremendous amount of force to fracture the femur. Doctors stated that this type of injury is very painful.

    The femur fracture was noted to be at least seven days old. Additionally, the baby had not previously received any medical treatment for her injuries.

    According to reports, the different stages of healing and acute posterior rib fractures were “highly suggestive” of child abuse.

    Doctors also noted that the 4-month-old had a subdural hemorrhage in her brain. Reports indicated that the injury was consistent with having been struck in the skull.

    Hand and his wife, who has not been charged, immediately requested an attorney. The mother denied any knowledge of the injuries.

    Hand, at the advice of his attorney, turned himself in to police. He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.

    DCF investigators said that the child faced the risk of death if she remained in her current living environment.

    Man finds two bodies in Ocala apartment

    Ocala Post
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    Man finds two bodies in Ocala apartment

     

    ocala news, ocala post, marion county news, bodies found

    [Last updated on April 12, 2017, at 1:00 p.m.]

    The Ocala Police Department has concluded its investigation after a man found two people dead inside of an apartment at the Paradise Apartments apartment complex.

    OPD detectives said that Monday, just after 5 p.m., the man called 911 after he had entered the apartment, located at 1946 Southwest 31st Avenue, and found two deceased individuals — a male and female.

    According to reports, the witness found the woman face down on a bed with a wound in her back and the man was on the floor. Detectives would not say if the victims had been shot.

    Detectives said that the man entered the apartment because there were children outside crying.

    Believing something was wrong, he entered the unit and found the bodies.

    Initially, investigators thought that the victims were targeted. However, it was later determined that is was a murder suicide.

    Detectives identified the victims as Jose Rivera, 48, and Idiomaris Cruz, 40. Cruz leaves behind tow boys and a girl — ages 12, 14, and 16.

    According to reports, Rivera shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.

    They had only been married since January.

     

    3rd annual ‘Pey It Forward Fun Run’

    Ocala Post
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    3rd annual ‘Pey It Forward Fun Run’

    pey it forward fun run, ocala news, peyton evans

    pey it forwardfun run, peyton evans, ocala news, ocala events
    Peyton Evans

    The Pey It Forward Fun Run is held in honor of Peyton Nicole Evans.

    On May 9th, 2014, Peyton had an undiagnosed brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — described as an abnormal tangle of blood vessels — in her brain that ruptured and caused her to become unconscious.

    Almost instantly, upon learning of her condition, the community came together and performed countless acts of kindness with prayers, fundraisers, and emotional support. Unfortunately, on May 16, 2014, after having had brain surgery, Peyton succumbed to her condition.

    Her family says that on the day of her death, Peyton’s decision to be an organ donor became a reality, and four lives were saved.

    Shortly after, in Peyton’s honor, the Peyton Evans Foundation was born.

    This year’s run will benefit two families who live in Ocala.

    David Stromwall
    David Stromwall

    David Stromwall, 19, is a local Forest High School Baseball Alumni. On January 16th, 2017, on his way home from work, Stromwall was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. And although Stromwall was wearing his helmet, he suffered traumatic injuries and had to undergo several surgeries and medical procedures. Sadly, Stromwall passed away over the weekend. His funeral service is slated for Saturday, April 15, at Trinity Baptist Church, Ocala. The Stromwall family said they are extremely grateful for all of the prayers and support they have received from the community.

    Faith Guynn, 24, was carjacked and shot on February 10th, 2017. She was left for dead in a deserted area. A Good Samaritan, who usually never traveled the deserted road, discovered Guynn. Guynn has a bullet lodged in between her shoulder and neck and currently has no feeling from the shoulders down. She has a team of doctors who work around the clock to help Guynn regain mobility, however, many of the treatments come with a risk of her remaining paralyzed. She has an extremely long road to recovery and will need help with her medical expenses and physical therapy. The Guynn family is also extremely grateful for all of the prayers and support they have received from the community.

    Amy Whittemore, coordinator for the Pey It Forward Fun Run, says they can only achieve their goals with the assistance of generous donations from members of the community. Without these donations, Whittemore said serving those in the Ocala area would not be possible.

    Whittemore is reaching out to individuals and local businesses to: (1) Sponsor obstacles (inflatable obstacle, or materials to build an obstacle) that will make the course fun and exciting for all who participate. Obstacle sponsors will have their name on the back of the shirt and a sign with their business near the obstacle, or (2) Offer a financial contribution.

    There are three levels of sponsorship:

    Silver Sponsor-$100.00

    • Name on the back of the shirt

    Gold Sponsor-$250.00

    • Name on the back of the shirt
    • Small sign

    Platinum-$500.00

    • Name on the back of the shirt
    • Banner
    • 2 shirts included

    Contributions are tax deductible through New Life Family Church.

    “We hope that you will help support our efforts,” said Whittemore.

    The run will be held on May 6, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Family day will follow, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Life Family Church is located at 1700 NW 60th Ave., Ocala, 34482.

    If you have any questions please feel free to call 352-804-0832.

    Husband bites wife then batters her for crying

    Ocala Post
    -
    13
    Husband bites wife then batters her for crying
    ocala news, ocala post, domestic violence, aggravated battery, woman beater
    James Taylor

    Ocala, Florida — Ocala police arrested a man they say battered his wife after she refused to let him drive her vehicle.

    While babysitting a friend’s child, James Taylor, 25, asked his wife (victim) to step outside. Once outside, Taylor asked the victim if he could to use her car, which she refused.

    Police said the victim told Taylor that since his driver’s license is currently suspended she did not want him driving her car.

    According to reports, Taylor then became angry. The victim stated that Taylor put his hand over her mouth, bit her under her right eye, and then punched her in the eye.

    The victim said that when Taylor saw her eye was swelling, he hugged her, told her he was sorry, and that she needed to stop crying. However, when his wife would not stop crying, Taylor punched her in the chin.

    To escape the situation, the victim told Taylor she was leaving to pick up the friend who she was babysitting for.

    Approximately 10 minutes later, Taylor sent his wife a text message that read, “If you tell anyone I will kill your family.” He then texted her a picture of a silver handgun.

    According to police, the victim is pregnant with Taylor’s child.

    Taylor was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Female.

    Taylor has previous arrests for Battery by Strangulation, Simple Battery, Affray, Violation of Probation (x2), Possession of Marijuana, Trespassing, and Resisting Arrest.

    He is being held at the Marion County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

    Severe weather favorable for tornados, North and Central Florida

    Ocala Post
    -
    5
    Severe weather favorable for tornados, North and Central Florida

    nws-special-weather-statement_2

    Tallahassee, Florida — State emergency management officials are recommending that Florida residents and visitors remain aware, as conditions favorable for severe weather continue throughout North Florida and into Central Florida for April 5, 2017, during the day and into the night. This weather system will have the potential to produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes.

    Governor Scott said, “It is incredibly important that Floridians and visitors in North and Central Florida pay close attention to local news throughout the day and ensure they are fully prepared ahead of any potentially damaging weather, such as tornadoes or flash floods. While we are glad that the weather from earlier this week did not cause significant damage, we must take every case of potentially severe weather seriously and take action to keep our families and communities safe. The Florida Division of Emergency Management and their local partners are continuing to work together to monitor the weather and provide updates to families across North and Central Florida.”

    State Meteorologist Amy Godsey said, “Much of North Florida and parts of Central Florida have been placed at high risk of severe weather throughout the day and overnight. Those in the affected areas should monitor this storm system and have a plan of action if warnings are issued.”

    According to the National Weather Service, the chance of tornados is possible .

    Residents should monitor the weather closely for frequent changes.

    A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been reported as sighted, or has appeared on radar in the area.

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