Ocala, Florida — Marion County law enforcement are under attack, and this time it’s not from the Commission.
Marion county has an arsonist that is targeting law enforcement. As with any arsonist, the fear of him/her evolving is always a possibility, according to experts. Experts agree that this is a situation that should not be taken lightly. The possibility of law enforcement or Marion County residents being harmed is real and everyone is being asked to be on high alert.
As residents will see from the time frame below, the arsonist is displaying boldness by setting two of the fires in late evening and not always hiding in the darkness of early morning hours.
Numerous vehicles and a residence in the Whispering Pines Subdivision have been the target of an arsonist. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocala Police Department are working harmoniously to capture the person(s) responsible for the following acts:
• On June 10, 2013 at 12:15 a.m. MCFR responded to a fire at an abandoned residence in Whispering Pines Subdivision off of S.W. 103rd Street Road.
• On September 21, 2013 at 11:00 p.m. a citizen’s vehicle was burned in his driveway, near Whispering Pines Subdivision off of S.W. 103rd Street Road.
• On September 29, 2013 at 9:30 p.m. the personal vehicle of a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy was burned in his driveway, near Whispering Pines Subdivision on S.W. 103rd Street Road.
• On October 7, 2013 at 1:43 a.m. the marked patrol vehicle of a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy was burned in his driveway, Whispering Pines Subdivision off of S.W. 103rd Street Road.
Detectives need the public’s help. If you know anything about these cases, please contact Detective Steve Osborne at (352) 438-5940. There is up to $5,000 in cash for your information leading to an arrest and conviction.