OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This week, the Ocala Police Department (OPD) recognized the actions of two residents who they say stopped a career criminal’s violent spree.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, OPD honored two men who stepped into action last fall to stop a man who they say tried to carjack a woman in the Starbucks drive-thru.

Ocala police say Shane Spicer’s actions stopped Michael Prouty, ending a crime spree that started in The Villages. Courtesy: OPD

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken and Mayor Ben Marciano gave commendations to Tom Episcopo and Shane Spicer for their actions on Oct. 24, 2023.

OPD says Episcopo and Spicer helped stop a man who was running from police.

Police say 39-year-old Michael Prouty forced his way into a woman’s home in The Villages, stole her purse, cell phone, and a car from the garage. Later that same day, they say Prouty was found driving the stolen car in Ocala.

Authorities say Prouty crashed the Cadillac stolen from The Villages, leaving two injured in Ocala. Courtesy: SCSO

When OPD initiated a traffic stop, they say Prouty took off and caused a wreck at the intersection of North Pine Avenue and State Road 40, injuring multiple people.

|EXCLUSIVE: Humble hero says it was ‘instinctive’ to jump into action, ending man’s alleged crime spree in Starbucks drive-thru

“After the crash, Prouty ran off but was encountered by our first heroic citizen, Mr. Episcopo, who was able to grab ahold of him. Although Prouty broke free, he was slowed down by Mr. Episcopo,” said OPD.
OPD says these two bystanders, Tom Episcopo (left) and Shane Spicer (right) helped police capture Michael Prouty. OPD Chief Mike Balken invited them to join the police force. Courtesy: OPD

Police say that’s when Prouty attempted to carjack a woman while she was in the drive-thru.

“Our second heroic citizen, Mr. Spicer, intervened and attempted to pull Prouty out of the vehicle,” said OPD. “Prouty ran off again but was followed closely by Mr. Spicer, as well as OPD. Mr. Spicer apprehended Prouty behind Starbucks for a few moments until police were able to secure him in handcuffs.”

Mugshot of Michael Prouty who is accused of invading a woman’s home in The Villages, stealing her car, and then leading officers on a chase in Ocala. The chase led to a crash that left two injured. From there, OPD says he tried to carjack a woman in the Starbucks drive-thru. Courtesy: MCSO

Back in October, police released dash and body cam video which captured Episcopo and Spicer’s actions.

In November, 352today had the chance to meet with Spicer at his Ocala tattoo shop, Infidels Ink. The Army veteran told us it was instinctive to jump into action. “I just hope someone would do the same thing for my family,” Spicer told us during our interview.

“A big thank you to both Mr. Spicer and Mr. Episcopo for stepping up to make our community a safer place,” said OPD in a Facebook post. “Your actions truly make you heroes in our eyes!”