Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken on Sept. 15 addressed the two unrelated shootings that occurred on Sept. 13 and 14 within the city limits.
In the Sept. 13 case, a man was killed and two others were injured. Balken said his agency believes this was a drug deal gone wrong. Police earlier had not provided that detail.
In the Sept. 14 case, a 5-year-old girl and her mom were injured in a drive-by shooting. The chief said the shooting stemmed from an earlier disturbance at an Ocala apartment complex.
Here's what the chief had to say about the incidents:
Sept. 13 shooting
"This past Sunday afternoon, at around 2 p.m., Ocala PD officers were conducting patrols in the area of NW 11th Street and 12th Avenue when they heard gunfire coming from a nearby residential area," the chief
said. "Officers quickly responded and located two male subjects — one had been tragically shot to death, while the other was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
"While this investigation was unfolding, we began receiving reports of a possible hit-and-run crash involving multiple vehicles in the area of College Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Upon arrival, it was quickly determined that one of the vehicles was connected to the homicide case, and officers ultimately took the driver into custody. It was later confirmed that this vehicle had just left a local hospital after dumping off a third gunshot victim, just before the crash occurred.
"Ultimately, there were three gunshot victims — one deceased and two others who are expected to survive. At this time, we’ve determined this was a drug deal gone wrong. One group arrived intending to deliver drugs, but the other group attempted to rob them, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left members of both groups injured. Our detectives have identified everyone believed to be involved in this incident and are working diligently to bring this case to a close."
As the Star-Banner has previously reported, police have identified the victim of the Sept. 13 shooting as Tedarrium Deas, 23. The names of the two injured men, ages 18 and 31, still have not been released.
Sept. 14 drive-by shooting
"Fast forward to last night," Chief Balken said. "Around 8 p.m., we began receiving calls about an altercation at the Sutton Place Apartment Complex, located in the 500 block of NE 23rd Circle. This incident unfolded in the parking lot and involved multiple juveniles and adults. Officers quickly arrived and restored peace to the area.
"However, about an hour later, the victims from the earlier disturbance left a nearby apartment complex and headed home for the night. Information suggests they were followed from that location by the suspects.
"While traveling down SE 11th Avenue toward SE 17th Street, the suspects opened fire on their vehicle, striking it multiple times. During the incident, two of the vehicle’s occupants were hit by gunfire.
"The suspect vehicle fled the area, and the victims transported themselves to a local hospital. Thankfully, everyone involved is expected to survive," the chief said.
Balken went on to say that his agency's detectives are "continuing to work tirelessly to bring these perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our community."
The chief said the cases are "isolated and unrelated," and asked for the public to contact police with any relevant information.
Call (352) 369-7000 or call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS. Tips also can be submitted at OcalaCrimeStoppers.com
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Two days, two shootings. Ocala Police chief explains both cases
