OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Police Department (OPD) reports that on September 22, 2024, at about 8:20 a.m., Field Training Officer Mercer and Trainee Officer Vanhoose went to check on a report of a suspicious person at First Assembly of God Christian School, located at 1827 NE 14th St. in Ocala.
When they arrived, they say they saw 61-year-old Linda Vaughn standing by a red Ford SUV. As the officers got closer, they say that Vaughn jumped into her car and sped away, driving dangerously and almost hitting another vehicle. Even with the patrol car’s lights and siren on, they report that Vaughn kept driving recklessly, running red lights and swerving into oncoming traffic. At the intersection of NE 25th Ave. and NE 14th St., they say that she deliberately tried to hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk while speeding.
OPD shares that Vaughn arrived at Darrell’s Diner, located at 5125 E Silver Springs Blvd., at about 8:26 a.m. Officers who were chasing her reportedly parked behind her and got out of their patrol car to arrest her.
Instead, they say that Vaughn hit their vehicle several times, almost hitting the officers. OPD says that the officers then shot at her car, but Vaughn managed to escape, crashing into a fence at the back of the parking lot. She then turned her car around and drove back toward the officers, who they say fired at her vehicle again. Vaughn eventually crashed into a parked car near the officers. More law enforcement, including a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy, arrived and blocked Vaughn’s car to stop her from moving, according to OPD.
OPD says that Vaughn was arrested and taken to a hospital for minor injuries; No officers were hurt. OPD states that Detective Thomas interviewed Vaughn, who faces charges of two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest with violence. They say that she was then taken to the Marion County Jail for booking.
OPD shares that officers involved in the shooting have been put on administrative leave, following department policy. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Original story, 9.22.24, at 2.48 p.m. The Ocala Police Department (OPD) reports that it is working an officer-involved shooting.
OPD is handling a case related to a vehicle chase that they say began in the 1800 block of NE 14th St. and concluded at Darryl’s Diner, located at 5125 E. Silver Springs Blvd. on Sunday, Sept. 22. 2024.
They say that in the diner’s parking lot, two officers had to use their service weapons due to the driver’s actions, but the driver was not hit. The driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.
OPD is currently investigating this incident.