Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Police Identify Suspect in Targeted Shooting at Florida Mall
Arrest Warrant Issued for Albert J Shell Jr
Police have identified the murder suspect involved in a recent “targeted” shooting at a mall in Ocala, Florida. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the death of one person and left another injured.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 39-year-old Albert J Shell Jr on charges of premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder. However, the suspect is currently at large, prompting the police to seek information from the public that could lead to his arrest.
In an effort to encourage tips, law enforcement is offering a $5,000 reward, an increase from the initial $3,000 offered on Saturday.
The shooter opened fire at Paddock Mall around 3.40pm on Saturday. Shortly after the incident, Ocala Police released three photos of a “person of interest” believed to be involved in the shooting. The individual depicted in the images is a Black male dressed in all black, wearing white sneakers, and sporting a red cap.
During a press conference on Saturday evening, authorities confirmed that the fatal shooting was a targeted act, and the deceased victim, identified as 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron, was the intended target. The suspect managed to flee the mall undetected following the shooting.
While the relationship between the victim and the suspect remains unclear, police are diligently working to apprehend the perpetrator. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice,” officials stated.
In addition to the fatality, a woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg during the incident. She was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Expressing their shock at the tragic event, an officer described the shooting as “the worst thing we can imagine this time of the year.” Authorities are urging anyone present at the mall who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with information.
Reports of an active shooter were received by the police around 3.40pm on Saturday after multiple shots were heard by shoppers. By 4.20pm, officials declared that the shooting was no longer active.
As of Sunday morning, the search for the suspect is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Ocala Police issued a warning to an individual who apparently took the suspect’s red hat from the crime scene. They emphasized that the hat could contain crucial DNA evidence and urged the person to come forward immediately. Failure to do so within the next few hours will result in the release of their picture on social media and news outlets, leading to their arrest on a felony charge of tampering with evidence.
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