OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Christmas Eve took a dramatic turn at Family Pool and Spa on South Highway 441 in Ocala when a company truck was reported stolen, leading to the arrest of a former employee with a history of DUI convictions.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Jentsch responded to the business after the victim reported the theft. MCSO says that surveillance footage revealed that Thomas McDonnell, a former employee, forcibly entered the business, damaging the front door. They say that McDonnell took the truck keys and cash from the register before driving off in the stolen vehicle.
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While Deputy Jentsch was still on the scene investigating, reports say that McDonnell returned to the business in the stolen truck. Upon speaking with him, the deputy says he observed clear signs of impairment. Corporal Young, a Drug Recognition Expert, was called to assist, but MCSO says that McDonnell refused to perform field sobriety exercises or provide a breath sample.
MCSO says that further investigation revealed McDonnell’s criminal history, including three prior DUI convictions, two driving while license suspended convictions, and a previous refusal to submit to a breath test. McDonnell was arrested on multiple charges and transported to jail.