MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man Wednesday evening after investigators say he ambushed and repeatedly stabbed a deputy in Dunnellon.
According to the MCSO, 38-year-old Heriberto Medina Marquez was arrested Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
The incident happened at approximately 5 p.m. near 11775 NW 10th Pl. in Dunnellon when Deputy Robert Fitch responded to a report of a suspicious person.
Investigators said Deputy Fitch was attacked immediately after exiting his patrol vehicle.
According to the release, Medina Marquez allegedly caused the deputy to fall to the ground, climbed on top of him and repeatedly stabbed him in the chest before fleeing into a nearby wooded area.
Deputy Montalvo arrived moments later, and officials said Medina Marquez emerged from the woods and was taken into custody without further incident.
After being placed in a patrol vehicle, investigators said Medina Marquez told deputies, “I should have killed you, you know that right.”
The sheriff’s office said Deputy Fitch suffered minor injuries during the attack and credited his bulletproof vest with saving his life.
Following interviews and evidence collection, Major Crimes detectives determined Medina Marquez intentionally attempted to kill the deputy, according to the sheriff’s office.
Medina Marquez was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is being held without bond.