MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County deputy and a man are in the hospital after being shot outside of a nightclub early Sunday in Silver Springs Shores, according to the sheriff’s office.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 a.m. at 9355 SE Maricamp Road, the address of Time Nightclub, the agency said on social media. The injured deputy, identified as Deputy Kenneth Warner, was shot multiple times in both legs and was in surgery as of 4:21 a.m., out again before 8 a.m. and now expected to fully recover, the sheriff’s office said. The man who was shot — identified as Ricard Brown — is also expected to be OK. At the time of this report, it’s unknown whether the shooting was targeted.
More than 100 people were in a parking lot outside of the nightclub when the shooting happened around closing time, the sheriff’s office said. No suspect description was immediately available.
In a video statement, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said that his deputies were in the parking lot conducting security when the shooting happened, adding “someone saw something, heard something and knows something” with regard to investigators’ hopes that someone will come forward with tips.
“At this time, we do not know who the intended target was, we are just now getting information and gathering information, but I do want to give you a little bit of good information in that the deputy is fine. His injuries at this time are non-life-threatening. He has been through surgery and he is out in recovery as I speak. So I ask for your prayers for him, his family to watch over and take care of him and also with our civilian victim,” he said.
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Woods also had a message for the shooter.
“I want you to know something in particular. I have every resource that I have trying to find you. I have my entire investigations (team) trying to figure out who you are. I will find out who you are, I will hunt you down and I will bring you to justice,” Woods said. “So, you can probably make this easy on yourself. Come forward. I don’t think you’ll do it because you ain’t got the courage, you’re already a coward in my eyes.”
On Sunday evening, Time Nightclub posted a statement on social media that can be read below:
“Apologizing for each & everyone had to experience that incident that took place last night in the gas station plaza..Our prayers goes to the officer & his family
He was not doing anything but helping keep our guests safe..
unfortunately we doing our best by hiring the best security guards & details officers to ensure our patrons safety … But we can’t control ignorant individuals that act fool and ruin good & successful business…
Time Nightclub still operating in the business and we not gonna let haters ruin our Club that we open Only for citizens to enjoy themselves and have good time..
Thanks for all our loyal customers that show support and respect & following our rules..
Our top priority is to keep our community safe plz help us by leaving the parking lot once the doors open..
Thanks for everyone continuing support our club and on our side we gonna
DOUBLE SAFETY & SECURITY to make sure everyone goes home safely..
plz show ur support by sharing your positive comments …”
Time Nightclub
Those with information regarding who may be responsible for the shooting are urged to call 352-732-9111 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-7867 to remain anonymous. Investigators would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw something suspicious.
Check back for updates.
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