Rain: Drive with your headlights on, it’s the law
Ocala, Florida — The Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind all drivers that Florida Statute 316.217(1)(b) states that all vehicles being operated on the roadways of Florida must have its low-beam headlights on while it is raining.
However, using your emergency flashers is against the law while a vehicle is in motion. According to Florida Statute 316.2397(7)(a), emergency flashers should only be used if a vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled.
Driving with your headlights on in the rain increases your visibility to other drivers and reduces the risk of accidents.
Remember, it’s the law.
Man accuses FWC of giving back illegal bear killed during bear hunt
Florida — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they will have to make some adjustments before the next bear hunt.
This past weekend, Florida had its first bear hunt in 21 years, and it had to be shut down early because FWC underestimated the success of the hunt.
According to officials, 3,778 bear-hunt permits were issued and the quota was for 320 bears.
Officials ended the hunt Sunday night with after 298 bears were reported to have been killed.
Tammy Sapp, Communications Manager with the Division of Hunting and Game Management said, “FWC had mechanisms in place for daily monitoring of the harvest and season closure, so when the harvest approached the statewide objective of 320, FWC was prepared and stopped the hunt.” She added, “The East Panhandle and the Central bear management units (BMUs) were closed for the rest of the season beginning Sunday, Oct. 25 while the North and South BMUs were closed to hunting beginning Monday, Oct. 26.”
The total harvest for the four bear managements units open during the 2015 bear hunt was 298. The breakdown by Bear Management Unit is as follows:
- East Panhandle BMU = 112 bears
- Central BMU = 139 bears
- North BMU = 25 bears
- South BMU = 22 bears
According to FWC, while harvest was higher than expected in the East Panhandle and Central BMUs, success rates were comparable to other states with similar hunt structures and were within sustainable limits. The higher-than-expected harvest in the East Panhandle likely reflects a higher bear population in that unit and indicates that the population is significantly higher than the East Panhandle’s 2002 population estimate of 600 bears.
However, the hunt did not come without problems.
The FWC law enforcement division continues to investigate cases concerning violations that occurred during the recent bear hunt.
At least one of those cases under investigation concerns a hunter taking or attempting to take a bear by baiting it in the Central BMU.
One individual in the Central BMU was cited for taking or attempting to take a bear by baiting it.
During the bear hunt, one criminal citation was issued in the Northwest Panhandle BMU for killing a cub bear that weighed 42 pounds. Another hunter in the Central BMU was issued a warning for taking an 88 pound bear. In addition, FWC officers addressed hunters without permits and are investigating any out-of-season harvests. Overall, FWC says that hunter ethics and compliance during the bear hunt were high.
Many have turned to social media to express their outrage after hunters were allegedly heard bragging that the bears killed did not attempt to run.
Experts said the bears did not run because they are not used to being prey.
FWC Public Information Officer Greg Workman said that they are also aware of a Facebook post written by a man who claims that an FWC officer returned an undersized bear to a hunter after he was cited.
Thomas Ninesevenx Allison wrote, “This underweight bear (91.8pounds – 5 lbs for the net) was killed by the man driving this vehicle… with this license number. The bear was then confiscated by this FWC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, whose name is Mike Fletcher. Officer Fletcher then drove up the road and had the hunter who illegally killed the bear follow him. I got curious and drove after them and found the FWC LAW ENFORCEMENT officer on the side of the road returning the bear to the hunter who illegally shot it.”
Allison also posted several photos of the underweight bear.
Workman said, “This particular issue has come up numerous times in the past few days. I can assure you the hunter did not have the bear returned to him. The officers merely drove down the road so they could perform their duty of writing up the appropriate paperwork on the hunter. The bear wasn’t given back, but confiscated.”
Officials said that the person who posted the information has also encouraged people to share it. Officials warn that the information is completely false and nothing more than propaganda in an attempt to halt future bear hunts.
Mall-O-Ween at the Paddock Mall: Halloween 2015
Ocala, Florida — On Saturday, October 31, 2015, the Paddock Mall is hosting a Boo Bash and Mall-O-Ween mall-wide Trick-or-Treating event.
The Boo Bash will be held at 4 p.m., and Mall-O-Ween from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This event, located at 3100 Southwest College Road, Ocala, is free to the public.
This event is a safe, indoor, air-conditioned, and entertaining alternative to traditional outdoor Halloween activities and will offer free trick-or-treating fun that the whole family can enjoy.
The Paddock Mall is inviting all little ghouls, goblins, and boo’tiful princesses to come have a spooktacular’ time.
For more information, please call 352 -237-1221.
2 more arrested in Cloud 9 nightclub shooting
Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two more criminals involved in the shooting that took place at the Cloud 9 nightclub on September 13, 2015.
These arrests make a total of three in this case, after Laquan Ria’Mel Barrow, 24, was arrested on September 21, 2013.
Six people were shot on the night of the shooting. Benetria Robinson, 19, was shot twice — once in the head and once in the shoulder — and died at the scene.
On Monday, MCSO detectives arrested Gary Edward King, 20, and Michael Eugene Smith, also 20.
Both suspects have been charged with one count each of Second Degree Murder and five counts each of Attempted Second Degree Murder.
Detectives stated that they found a total of 21 spent shell casings at the scene, which had been fired from three different handguns.
According to reports, Ocala Police Department officers were in the area when the shooting occurred. Their body cameras recorded the sound of the gunfire. All 21 shots were fired in approximately five seconds.
King has previous arrests for Resisting Arrest, Breach of Peace, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Tampering-Destroying Evidence, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Smith has previous arrests for Operating a Vehicle Without a License, Hit and Run, Shooting Into an Occupied Dwelling, Possession of a Firearm by a Delinquent, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Appear (x2), Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Robbery with a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Cocaine.
All three felons are being held without bond.
Woman threw a sausage, then a punch
Belleview, Florida — A Belleview teen was arrested after she assaulted a pregnant woman on Sunday.
Marion County sheriff’s Deputy Vernon Reese responded to the Kangaroo store located at 7590 East Highway 25, after a call came in about a physical altercation.
The victim, 18, told Deputy Reese that she was standing at the rear of her vehicle about to pump gas when a silver minivan pulled up to the other side of the pump where she was standing.
Several people, including Justice Amber Gough, also 18, jumped out of the van and began yelling at he victim.
According to reports, Gough yelled, “Do you still want to fight me?” The victim then replied, “No, I don’t even think about you.”
The two were still arguing when Gough pulled out a sausage and threw it at the victim’s vehicle. The victim then stated, “I don’t want to fight you, and I am pregnant.”
Deputy Reese reported that Gough then approached the victim, punched her in the forehead, and scratched her neck.
The victim defended herself by punching back, at which time Gough retreated to her vehicle and fled the scene.
Gough was identified through her Facebook account and arrested at her residence.
Gough was untruthful about the incident, however, witnesses corroborated the victim’s story.
She was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim (F). Gough was released on $5,000 bond.
MCSO corrections officer who resigned after investigation, arrested
Ocala, Florida—A Marion County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer, who resigned on September 22 amid an internal affairs investigation, was arrested after she turned herself in on Tuesday.
Ocala Post was made aware of the arrest by an unnamed corrections officer who was upset that the arrestee’s information was intentionally kept out of the jail’s booking database. In the past, officers have been able to hide their face from booking photos by utilizing Florida Statute 119, but in this case, the entire record was not present.
Kailee Remmele, 20, was arrested for a vehicle burglary, which took place on September 28. The burglary occurred at 7 Teak Place, Ocala.
According to reports, Remmele, along with her accomplice, convicted felon Cynthia Ann Gray, 25, stole a purse from a vehicle then used the victim’s credit card to purchase cigarettes, gas, cell phone, and cell phone screen protector. The purchases totaled $305.57.
The two were identified through surveillance photos posted on social media.
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A warrant was then issued for Remmele and Gray. According to records, Gray is still on the run.
The internal affairs investigation of Remmele was due to several policy violations.
Policy violations include fraternizing and showing favoritism toward certain inmates, including Gray while she was serving time for a previous arrest, taking out a loan so she could give $1,000 to Gray’s father to post her bail, calling in sick then going to the beach, and associating with wanted felons outside of work.
The internal affairs report stated, “Employees should not knowingly associate with felons when that association might compromise the Agency.”
Investigators became aware of Remmele’s beach trip to St. Augustine with Gray after another corrections officer saw the photos on Facebook and reported her. One of the pictures posted on September 1, showed Remmele and Gray hugging. They even bragged about having a good time at the beach while Remmele was supposed to be home sick.
One conversation that took place between the two after Remmele bonded Gray out of jail reads as follows—note that KP Remmy is Remmele.
The photos and messages have since been deleted.
During the investigation, it was determined that Remmele and Gray were dating.
While at a truck stop, Remmele was recognized by Corrections Officer Laura Foiles, who was there with her husband. Foiles also recognized Gray as a former inmate. During a conversation, in her own words, Remmele told CO Foiles that she and Gray “were together.” Foiles then asked, “What are you doing?” Remnele replied, “[Gray and I] hang out at night at the truck stop.”
Foiles also stated that another former inmate, Kayla Salter, told her that Remmele was giving money to Gray for purchasing drugs from others who were at the truck stop.
Remmele was suspended from her job with pay, but later resigned.
The following was the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation:
In regards to her arrest, she was charged with Burglary of a Conveyance, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Petit Theft.
According to the arrest affidavit, Remmele was being held on a $10,500 bond. It is not clear if she has bonded out of jail.
As of October 22, Remmele’s corrections certificate was still active.
Multiple burglaries in Raven Glen Subdivision
According to reports, there have been multiple vehicle burglaries in the area. In all of the cases, the victim’s vehicle was left unlocked.
Ocala police recently placed an electronic sign on Northeast 26th Court, warning residents about the burglaries.
The burglaries occurred on NE 24 Place, NE 26th Street, NE 26th Court, and NE 30th Avenue.
The suspects are still on the loose.
If you have any information about the aforementioned cases, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Two MCSO deputies suspended after allegations of misconduct
Marion County, Florida — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has suspended two deputies following allegations of misconduct.
According to a MSCO press release, on Wednesday, October 21st, Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair suspended MCSO deputies Joseph Tussey and Edward Tillis with pay after learning that the two might have made false statements in a search and seizure case.
MCSO Public Information Officer Lauren Lettelier said, “[The information] was brought to the attention of one of our supervisors, who then immediately informed Sheriff Chris Blair and his command staff [Wednesday] evening.”
The information was presented to the MCSO supervisor by the State Attorney’s Office after they found that body cam video did not match the deputies written reports.
Sheriff Blair said that he has ordered an immediate internal investigation.
“Employees at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are held to the highest standard to maintain the public’s trust,” Sheriff Blair said. “Taking immediate action is crucial so the public can be assured that we are dedicated to our mission and vision: to serve with honor and protect with pride.”
MCSO said they are fully committed to being a respected and professional organization focused on serving citizens, and that the agency is comprised of outstanding individuals who continually work hard to keep our community safe.
“We appreciate the public’s support and patience as we actively move forward in this process,” Sheriff Blair said.
Deputy Tussey has worked for MCSO for 9 years and Deputy Tillis has served for 12 years.
According to personnel files, neither deputy has had any disciplinary actions taken against them other than two minor traffic accidents in Tillis’ file. Personnel records also show that both deputies have had many commendations.
Lettelier said, “The investigation is still pending active so we will not be releasing any further information at this time.”
The State Attorney’s Office had been investigating the incident prior to MCSO announcing an internal investigation on Wednesday.
Woman arrested, says bee sting caused her to flash ‘tatas
Ocala, Florida — Ocala Police arrested a woman who exposed herself to people while she was standing in front of Champions BBQ on Pine Street.
Witnesses from Champions BBQ told police that a woman, later identified as Denise R. Belflower, 34, was flashing and slapping her breasts at passerby in front of the business.
At one point, Belflower got on the ground and began touching her vagina while simultaneously yelling, “Someone come f**k me.”
When officer Joseph Kelly searched the area, he observed a white female matching the description of the woman walking north in front of McDonalds. The officer reported that he witnessed the woman lift her shirt and smack her breasts several times.
According to reports, when the officer approached Belflower she mouthed the words, “Oh s**t.”
Belflower denied flashing her breasts. Instead, she told police that a bee had stung her under her breasts and that she was “just trying to itch it.”
Belflower also stated, “I’m drunk, and I have drunk a little Black Velvet.”
She was arrested and charged with Exposure of Sexual Organs.
No bees were located or arrested at the scene.
The Ocala Pumpkin Run Fall Festival 2015
Ocala, Florida — ‘Horsepower in Horse Country’ returns as Ocala becomes the backdrop for a premier car show and Fall Festival at Castro Farms.
The Ocala Pumpkin Run Car Show and Fall Festival will take place on the weekend of October 23 through the 25th, 2015, at Castro Farms, located at 7700 N US Highway 27, Ocala.
Their goal is to host an exceptional event where families can gather to enjoy cars of all makes and models from all eras, take a prized car to the corral for potential buyers to see, shop with some of the best automotive vendors, enjoy local merchants and their products and services, and much more.
There will be local bands, unique displays and demonstrations, a Lifestyle Pavilion, and an incredible children’s area with activities for them too.
For more information, visit www.ocalapumpkinrun.com.
Ocala runaway, 16, considered endangered
Ocala, Florida — UPDATED – Julie Nicole Rogers was located safe on October 22.
The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help with locating a teen who has been missing since October 18.
Police say Julie Nicole Rogers, 16, took her mother’s gray Kia SUV, which had nearly a full tank of gas, and has not been heard from since. She only had $24 in cash on her person.
Police are also concerned about Julie’s well-being due to the fact that she left home with some of her mother’s prescription medications.
Authorities say Julie suffers from depression and might be suicidal.
Julie attempted suicide by overdose in January, however, her mother was able to get her to a hospital in time.
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Julie has brown hair, but sometimes changes her hair color.
The vehicle she is driving has a Joy FM sticker on the rear window.
At the time of this article, a license plate number was not available.
Julie is considered missing and endangered.
Police said that there is a possibility Julie might have traveled outside of Florida.
Ocala Post will keep you updated as details come in.
Thousands gather at Thrill the World Ocala 2015
Ocala’s Biggest Fall Festival, sponsored by Extensions Dance Studio and Just Entertainment, Inc., attracted approximately 8,000 people. That is 3,000 more people than last year’s estimate.
The festival included trick-or-treating, dancing, face painting, games, a haunted house, music, food, and much more.
More than 130 vendors took part in the event.
“We couldn’t have made this happen without the vendors. So please, everyone, walk around, spend money, and support your local vendors,” Amy Alicea, owner of Extension Dance Studio said while addressing the crowd.” She added, “And everyone who is watching these dancers tonight need to join in next year and help break Ocala’s record.”
Although Thrill the World Ocala, an annual attempt at the Largest Simultaneous Dance with Michael Jackson’s Thriller didn’t break last year’s record, one thing is for certain; everyone who participated in the event had a great time.
Vandalized again: Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
The Ocala Police Department said that this time five flagpoles that represent the branches of the military were bent. Two of them were bent all the way to the ground.
OPD said that the damage is estimated at $500.
According to reports, the damage was reported by the cleaning service that is contracted to keep the park clean.
On Tuesday, the park was vandalized when someone broke two American Bald Eagle statues that were affixed on the park’s main wall signage. The vandals also caused damage to one of the pillars.
“This was a senseless and hurtful act with Veterans Day approaching,” OPD said.
If you have any information about this case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
School board employee arrested at school, faces 66 charges
Lakeland, Florida — Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Sleepy Hill Middle School cafeteria manager for drug possession on Tuesday.
PCSO deputies responded to Sleepy Hill Middle School in Lakeland to investigate an anonymous tip in reference to Polk County School Board employee, Carolyn Jackson, 41, of Lakeland, who is employed as the cafeteria manager, being in possession of illegal narcotics.
When deputies made contact with Jackson and informed her of why they needed to speak with her, she started crying.
Jackson stated, “I am going to lose my job. I smoke weed and I have it in my purse right now.”
When asked if the deputy could search her purse, Jackson said, “No you can’t. I usually keep my weed in the safe at my house and I didn’t take it out of my purse.”
Due to the fact that Jackson denied deputies access to her purse, a K-9 was brought in and the dog immediately alerted on Jackson’s purse.
Jackson was then read her Miranda rights and detained.
A search of her purse turned up a digital scale, glass pipe with Methamphetamine residue, multiple lighters, individual clear baggies, three and a half Xanax pills, marijuana, and a plastic bag with Methamphetamine residue in it.
She was arrested and charged with one count each Possession of Marijuana Less than 20 Grams, Possession of Prescription Drug Without a Prescription, Possession of Paraphernalia/Smoking Device, and Possession of Methamphetamine, and 62 counts of Possession of Paraphernalia/Container for the baggies (for a total of 66 charges).
She is being held in the Polk County Jail on $1000 bond for Possession of Meth; $250 bond for Possession of Prescription Drug Without a Prescription; and $500 bond per each of the remaining 64 charges.
At this time, there is no indication that Jackson was selling or providing illegal narcotics to anyone at the school. Jackson’s home was subsequently searched, but no illegal contraband was found.
The PCSO will continue to investigate. If it is later determined that Jackson was distributing narcotics, she will face those charges as well.
Jackson has one prior arrest for Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence. She was not convicted because the charges were later dropped.
Woman beat 4-year-old, you won’t believe why
Ocala, Florida — An Ocala woman was arrested Wednesday after she beat her child with tree branches.
Deputies were dispatched to the area of Northwest Third Place after witnesses reported seeing the woman beating and yelling at a 4-year-old little girl.
When a deputy arrived on the scene, he could hear the little girl screaming. The screams were coming from a car parked in the yard.
The deputy also reported that he witnessed the suspect, later identified as Ebony S. Allen, 36, yelling at the child.
According to reports, the deputy opened the car door and asked the 4-year-old to come out of the vehicle. However, the little girl would not.
The 4-year-old said, “I can’t, my legs hurt too bad.” She told the deputy that she could not walk.
The little girl also begged the deputy to make Allen stop hurting her.
The deputy was finally able to get the girl to come out of the car after he promised her he was there to help.
The deputy stated that the girl had multiple welts on her shoulder/collarbone area as well as on her inner and outer thighs.
The deputy reported that some of the welts were so bad that they were bleeding.
According to a witness, Allen’s car was overheating and Allen told the girl to turn on the outside water spigot so she could cool down the car. That is when the little girl told Allen she was afraid of the lizards that usually hang out around the faucet and did not want to turn the water on.
According to reports, Allen began arguing with the child and lost her temper.
The witness stated,”Allen removed two tree branches and began hitting the little girl with all her might.” The witness then called 911.
Allen stated that she did not feel as though she had done anything wrong. She said, “I was just disciplining her.”
Allen is a school bus aide who works with special needs children.
She was arrested and charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.
Allen is currently being held on a $5,000 bond. Her next court date is set for November 17.
Woman beaten and strangled
Ocala, Florida — On Tuesday, Ocala Police Officer Janette Cabrera responded to a 911 call in reference to a domestic disturbance.
When the officer arrived, she immediately saw a female, later identified as the victim, crying.
The victim yelled out, “He just beat the s**t out of me.” Officer Cabrera reported that the victim could barely walk and that she immediately called medics.
The suspect, Philip J. Pettey, 25, was still on the scene, and he was told by the officer to back away from the victim so the officer could evaluate the situation.
According to reports, Pettey was argumentative and verbally abusive toward the officer and the victim. Not taking any chances, Officer Cabrera called for backup.
Moments later, Ocala Police Officer Mark Crandall arrived and he and Officer Cabrera attempted to detain Pettey and place him in handcuffs.
Pettey immediately resisted the officers and pulled his arm away. Officer Crandall then pulled out his Taser and ordered Pettey to stop resisting.
Once he was handcuffed, Officer Cabrera turned her attention to the victim.
As the officer was speaking to the victim, Pettey began to tussle with Officer Crandall. He was stiffening his legs, pulling his body away from the officer, and would not walk toward Officer Crandall’s patrol car. Instead, Officer Cabrera stated that Pettey was trying to make his way back to the victim.
Both officers directed Pettey to the ground, at which time their body cameras were thrown from their uniforms. The officers then requested that their supervisor respond to the scene.
Once on the ground, Pettey stated that he would be cooperative.
While Officer Crandall held on to Pettey, Officer Cabrera walked ahead to open the door to her patrol car. That is when Pettey said, “Watch this.”
Pettey then broke away from Officer Crandall , ran toward Officer Crandall’s patrol car, jumped into the air, and landed on the hood. Pettey caused approximately $700 in damage.
Once the officers gained control of Pettey, they were able to talk with the victim.
The victim stated that when she attempted to pack her bags to leave her apartment, Pettey began to repeatedly punch her in the face.
She said that he threw her on the bed, placed his body on hers, placed his hands around her throat, and tried to strangle her. The victim told police that she could not breathe, but was able to fight and break away.
According to reports, the victim suffered multiple bruises to her ears (inside and out), right arm, right eye, and had scratches and swelling about her body.
Once inside the ambulance, paramedics had to remove a toe ring from the victim due to the swelling of her legs.
Pettey was arrested and charged with Resisting Arrest (x3), Felony Domestic Battery with Strangulation, and Criminal Mischief-Damage to Property.
He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.
The victim is still recovering from her injuries.
Mom and two sons arrested after their vehicle caught fire
On Wednesday, Marion County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Walmart, located at 9570 Southwest Highway 200, after a store employee, Tim Cricketts, reported a vehicle fire.
Cricketts stated that citizens had alerted Walmart staff about the fire.
According to reports, one of the citizens opened the door to the truck and removed a white baby wipe container and shirt from the rear passenger seat that was on fire. The citizen then placed it on the ground and extinguished the fire by pouring water on it. The fire on the seat of the truck was also extinguished by the citizen.
That is when the Good Samaritans realized there were drugs in the vehicle and notified law enforcement.
After inspecting the baby wipe container, deputies discovered that the family had left synthetic marijuana burning while they were in the store.
Deputies then made contact with one of the suspects, Clint Seeders, who had been shopping in Walmart.
While searching the vehicle, deputies were also notified that two individuals that had been in the truck were watching from across the parking lot.
One of the deputies then summoned the suspects, later identified as Ariana and Anthony Seeders.
Deputies reported that they found 21 grams of synthetic marijuana inside the vehicle. Two grams of that was located in Ariana’s purse.
“One of my kids must have put that in my purse,” Ariana said.
The Seeders were arrested and charged with Felony Possession of Synthetic Marijuana.
Ariana was also charged with Introduction of Contraband into a Detention Facility (F).
Anthony and Clint were released on a $2,000 bond each, while Ariana was released on a $4,000 bond.
The actions of the Good Samaritans kept the fire from possibly spreading to other vehicles, or injuring others.
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park vandalized
Ocala, Florida — The Ocala Police Department is asking for the public’s help in trying to find out who vandalized the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
The park was vandalized sometime between 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, and 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 13.
According to OPD, someone broke two American Bald Eagle statues that were affixed on the park’s main wall signage. The vandals also caused damage to one of the pillars.
“This was a senseless and hurtful act with Veterans Day approaching,” OPD said.
If you have any information about this case, call the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000, Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Couple had their baby with them when they shot a man
It all started when Ocala police responded to 1005 Southwest 2nd Street, after receiving reports that a man had been shot in the leg.
According to reports, the victim had been in an ongoing feud with the suspect, later identified as Darion Jordan, 24. The feud was due to the fact that Jordan had hit the victim’s wife.
A witness told police that on October 12, Jordan pulled up in front of the victim’s house while the victim was standing outside. Jordan then engaged in a verbal argument with the victim.
At some point during the argument, the victim reached into the car and attempted to pull Jordan through the window.
That is when Jordan’s girlfriend, Chermagne King, 28, exited the vehicle and jumped on the victim. The victim was shot during the scuffle.
A witness stated that while King was attacking the victim, Jordan shot him with a semi automatic handgun.
After the shot was fired, King got back into the vehicle and Jordan drove off. A bolo was then issued for a green Toyota Camry.
The two suspects also had their 4-month-old baby in the car at the time of the shooting.
According to reports, the vehicle was located near the intersection of Southwest 13th Street and Southwest 33rd Avenue, at which time both occupants were handcuffed due to a firearm being involved.
While they were being questioned, the baby started to cry and King asked if she could comfort the child.
Ocala Police Officer Sergeant Hay told King that she would have to “pat her down” for weapons before she could remove the handcuffs.
Sergeant Hay reported that during the pat down she felt a “bulge in the area of [King’s] crotch.”
King then stated, “It’s marijuana.”
Sergeant Hay then removed a plastic bag from inside King’s underwear that contained 18 grams of marijuana.
At the police station, King stated, “Yeah, the marijuana was in my underwear, but it doesn’t belong to me.”
Jordan was uncooperative during questioning.
He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is currently being held on a $20,000 bond.
Jordan has previous arrests for Distribution of Marijuana, Operating a Vehicle Without a License, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
He was just released from prison in September 2014, after serving a sentence for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
King was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana. She is currently being held on a $500.00 bond.
She has previous arrests for Resisting arrest and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (x2).
The Department of Children and Families was notified of the situation.