Sheriff Billy Woods speaks at a press conference with law enforcement officials standing behind him.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
40 men arrested in Marion County child predator sting during undercover operation

Operation Seek and Ye Shall Find Out uncovers disturbing online activity as suspects used social media to target children ages 13 to 15.

A Marion County Sheriff's Office Forensic Unit van is parked on a rural roadside near a street sign for SE 17th Street and SE 17th Court. Yellow crime scene tape is visible in the background, partially enclosing a tree-shaded area. A "Pavement Ends" road sign stands nearby, indicating the transition from paved to unpaved road.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Man shot and killed in early morning Summerfield incident, deputies investigating

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating a fatal shooting on SE 21st Court; no arrests have been made.

Emaciated brown horse with visible ribs and hip bones standing in a rainy pasture
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Citra woman arrested after emaciated horse had to be euthanized, deputies say

Marion County Sheriff’s Office says Isabella Medina neglected 17-year-old horse, leading to severe malnutrition and suffering.

Yellow crime scene tape with blurred police lights in the background
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
UPDATE: Barricaded suspect shot and killed by deputies near UF campus, officials say

Suspect fired additional shots at law enforcement during standoff; no injuries to deputies or civilians reported.

A sign for the Ocala Police Department with a digital message board below. The top of the sign displays the Ocala Police logo with the words "Integrity, Courage, Character" and large text reading "OCALA POLICE." The digital board underneath shows a scrolling message in red text that reads, "WE'RE HIRING: 911 DISPATCHERS." The sign is supported by red brick columns and surrounded by trees in the background.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Online sting to protect children: 15 arrested in Ocala operation

Police say suspects believed they were meeting minors after engaging in explicit online conversations with undercover officers.

Close-up of a metal jail cell door with lock and bars.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Two Marion County drivers arrested after separate traffic stop confrontations

One suspect fled the scene; another assaulted a deputy before being taken into custody, according to MCSO.

An illustration depicting an online romance scam. A man in a suit, holding a rose and resembling a celebrity, appears on a smartphone screen with a red background. The bottom of his figure pixelates into digital blocks. Speech bubbles say “You have a new notification” and “You look familiar.” Scrabble-like letter tiles spell out “SCAM.” A shadowy figure stands behind the phone, symbolizing deception. Surrounding elements include emoji faces with heart eyes and dollar signs, emphasizing the emotional and financial manipulation common in such scams. The bottom-left corner reads "THE PERFECT SCAM."
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
“Keanu Reeves” romance scam dupes victims out of $160K — including Marion County woman

AI-powered con used mobile games and fake video chats to trick women into sending money to a scammer posing as the Hollywood star.

A sign for the Ocala Police Department with a digital message board below. The top of the sign displays the Ocala Police logo with the words "Integrity, Courage, Character" and large text reading "OCALA POLICE." The digital board underneath shows a scrolling message in red text that reads, "WE'RE HIRING: 911 DISPATCHERS." The sign is supported by red brick columns and surrounded by trees in the background.
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Ocala sees nearly 5% drop in violent crime despite population surge

With no homicides in over a year, Ocala Police credit community trust, strategic policing, and increased visibility for the city’s declining crime rate.

Ocala Crimestoppers most wanted list
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
Multiple arrests made in Marion County for DUI, drug charges, and battery on deputies

Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports five arrests in separate incidents involving drugs, DUIs, warrants, and assaults on law enforcement.

Mugshot of Kewarren Anderson, arrested for armed robbery in Ocala
Crime & Safety
5 months ago
K9 Marshal helps capture armed robbery suspect at Ocala Taco Bell

Suspect broke in through drive-thru window and chased employees.

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