OCALA, Fla. – A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed Sunday at an apartment complex in Ocala, prompting a homicide investigation, according to police.
Ocala police said Monday that Chris “Chevy” Chevelon Jr. died in the shooting, which happened around noon Sunday at the Sutton Place apartments off Northeast 3rd Street near State Road 40.
Police said they performed life-saving measures on Chevelon until paramedics arrived.
Chevelon was taken to a hospital, where he died from the gunshot wound, according to police.
Rest In Peace Chris Chevelon Jr. you will be missed but never forgotten by your friends, family, teammates and coaches. Once a Knight always a Knight in life and death. We love you Chevy. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🔴⚪️🔵
Posted by Ocala Vanguard Football Home Page on Monday, December 7, 2020
Police said a vehicle with an unknown number of occupants confronted Chevelon and his friends, who were walking around the complex, when shots were fired from the car, striking Chevelon. No other injuries were reported.
“It is unknown at this time if Chevelon was experiencing any problems with a particular person or group,” Ocala police said in a news release. “Detectives are developing leads and speaking with witnesses in order to locate a suspect. We ask that the public come forward with any information that could help solve this case and bring justice to the family of young Mr. Chevelon.”
Chevelon was a 10th grader at Ocala Vanguard High School, where he played football on the junior varsity team.
The school said counselors will help students and staff cope with Chevelon’s death.
“Rest In peace Chris Chevelon Jr. You will be missed but never forgotten by your friends, family, teammates and coaches. Once a Knight always a Knight -- in life and death. We love you Chevy,” the football team’s Facebook post said.
Julianie Augustave, who lives at Sutton Place, said her 8-year-old son was playing outside when shots rang out.
“I saw a lot of little boys. I saw them running and they were coming across where my son was,” she said. “I get up to the door and I realize they ran behind my house trying to get away.”
Augustave said she saw the victim collapse to the ground.
“Everybody ran out and ran to him. Everybody prayed for him,” she said. “My heart goes out. I’m a mother. I cried for (the victim’s mother). My son was right there, so that’s like it could have been my child.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Ocala police.