“Fatal Shooting at Paddock Mall: Help Needed to Identify Bystander and Locate Suspect, Albert J. Shell Jr.”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : UPDATE: Ocala Police Department Identifies Bystander Who Took Evidence from Paddock Mall Crime Scene

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, the Ocala Police Department released an update on the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting at Paddock Mall. According to their statement, the man who took the red hat from the crime scene has been identified and is cooperating with authorities. The hat, which may contain valuable DNA evidence, is now in police possession. However, the search for the suspected shooter, Albert Shell Jr., continues.

The Ocala police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a bystander who tampered with crucial evidence by taking the suspected shooter’s red hat from the crime scene. The incident occurred following a fatal shooting that took place over the weekend at Paddock Mall, claiming the life of a 40-year-old man.

The shooting took place on Saturday, December 23, when Albert J. Shell Jr., 39, allegedly targeted a male victim inside the mall. Officers received the first call about an active shooter at approximately 3:40 p.m. Multiple law enforcement units swiftly responded to the scene, only to find that the shooting had already occurred. The victim, identified as David Nathaniel Barron, 40, was discovered deceased from gunshot wounds in a common area of the mall.

During the incident, an unidentified woman also sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Within 24 hours of the shooting, the Ocala Police Department released surveillance photos of a suspect who fled the scene. The suspect has since been identified as Albert Shell Jr.

However, shortly after the shooting, a male bystander reportedly tampered with evidence by taking the suspected shooter’s red hat from the crime scene. The Ocala police believe that the hat may contain valuable DNA evidence crucial to the investigation.

In efforts to identify the bystander, the Ocala Police Department shared photos of him on various social media platforms, appealing to the community for assistance. The police department hopes that someone recognizes the individual and comes forward with information.

If you recognize the male bystander, the Ocala Police Department urges you to contact them at 352-656-6137. Alternatively, you can submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867) or visiting their website to submit an online tip.

While the search for the bystander continues, the police are also actively pursuing the suspected shooter, Albert Shell Jr. To incentivize the public’s cooperation, the Ocala Police Department has increased the cash reward to $10,000 for information leading to Shell’s arrest.

If you have any information regarding Albert Shell Jr.’s whereabouts, please contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-656-6137. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can reach out to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867) or submitting an online tip through their website.

Additionally, the police are urging anyone who captured video footage of the shooting on their mobile devices to share it with detectives. Videos can be sent via email to mediarelations@ocalapd.org or by phone to 352-656-6137.

The Ocala Police Department continues to investigate this tragic incident and is relying on the public’s assistance to bring justice to the victims and their families..