Multiple Marion County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 2300th block of NW 42nd Street in Ocala last Friday after a disturbance involving several people broke out.
Deputies were told that one of the people, later identified as John Jermaine Christopher, 37, had pointed an assault rifle at several others during the disturbance, a report states.
Deputies also called in a sheriff’s helicopter to help secure the scene. Upon arrival, the helicopter crew saw Christopher pointing the rifle at several people. And they saw him throw the rifle into a wooded area and then walk back toward the scene.
The helicopter crew guided deputies on the ground to Christopher’s location and he was taken into custody. A subsequent investigation revealed that several victims said Christopher pointed the rifle at them. There also was a victim of simple battery, which was the original cause of the disturbance.
The report states that after Christopher battered the victim, he left the location and returned with the rifle. He also kicked a door open, causing less than $200 in damage.
During the investigation, the helicopter crew directed K-9 Dep. Colton Sullivan to the area where Christopher threw the rifle. Sullivan and his K-9 partner, Adelmo, quickly recovered the firearm.
Christopher was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery and criminal mischief. He was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was held on $3,000 bond.
