MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) needs your help in identifying a group of vandals who broke into the vacant Ocala Jai Alai building on W Highway 318 last month. According to the report, the group smashed the front door to gain entry and caused significant damage inside.
Firefighters from Marion County Fire Rescue responded to a fire alarm triggered during the break-in and discovered the damage, notifying the sheriff’s office. Upon arrival, deputies found the building empty but evidence of the vandals’ destructive behavior. Three fire extinguishers were discharged throughout the building, and a chair was used to destroy three sinks in the men’s bathroom.
The MCSO investigation yielded surveillance footage capturing the intruders, including footage of them using the fire extinguishers.
If you have any information about the individuals involved, please contact MCSO at 352.732.9111. Anonymously submitting tips is also possible through Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP(7867) or visiting Crime Stoppers. Referencing case number 24-41 when submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers might lead to a cash reward if it leads to an arrest.