A mother and her 5-year-old were shot while driving in Ocala, Florida, on Sept. 14 after reportedly being followed from a nearby apartment complex. The initial disturbance at the complex involved 10- to 16-year-old juveniles and several adults and lasted about 40 minutes. The mother suffered a gunshot wound to her hand; the child was hit in the chest but both are expected to survive. Police say the suspect vehicle fled the scene and are asking anyone with video or information to call 352-369-7000.
Mother and 5-Year-Old Wounded After Vehicle Is Shot At in Ocala; Both Expected To Survive
stock image of a closeup of a car tireCredit: Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty
A mother and her 5-year-old child were wounded when an unknown vehicle opened fire on their car while they were driving in Ocala, Florida, on the evening of Monday, Sept. 14. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive, authorities said.
What Happened
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters the department first received calls about an outdoor altercation at about 8 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Northeast 23rd Circle. The disturbance involved multiple juveniles and some adults and was handled by officers on the scene.
"This incident was taking place outdoors in the parking lot of that housing complex, and involved multiple juveniles as well as adults," Balken said. "What I'm led to believe at this point by our detectives was that this originated basically with a group of kids, 10- to 16-year-old kids, that were having a typical altercation... that original incident drew some adults out, and it kind of grew and grew and grew until the officers got there and restored peace."
Police say the initial disturbance was under control after roughly 40 minutes. About an hour later, the family of three who had been at the scene left the nearby complex to drive home. Investigators believe the family was followed from that location. When their vehicle reached Southeast 11th Avenue, the trailing car opened fire, striking the family's vehicle multiple times.
Victim Conditions and Response
The gunfire struck the mother and the couple's 5-year-old child. According to Chief Balken, "The mother had injuries consistent with a gunshot wound to her hand. The child took a round to the chest and was touch and go for a little bit there, but is expected to pull through and survive this." The child's father was not injured. The suspect vehicle fled the scene while the victims drove themselves to a local hospital.
Investigation and Appeal to the Public
Ocala police say they consider the episode isolated but continue to investigate. Authorities are asking anyone with doorbell, home security or dash-cam footage, or any information related to the incident, to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000. Detectives are particularly interested in video from the time the family left the apartment complex and from Southeast 11th Avenue.
People and local outlets reported on the incident; the Ocala Police Department has been contacted for further comment. Police continue to seek tips that could identify the vehicle or suspects involved.
How to Help: If you witnessed the incident or have relevant footage, preserve the original files and contact Ocala Police at the number above. Any small piece of information could assist the ongoing investigation.
Help us improve.
