OCALA, Fla. – The man accused of shooting and killing a 40-year-old man and injuring a woman at Paddock Mall last month has been arrested, according to the Ocala Police Department.
The Ocala Police Department said Monday that Albert Shell Jr. was arrested at a home about 20 miles south of Ocala. Shell has been on the run since Dec. 23 after multiple shots were fired at the mall, located at 3100 SW College Road.
Police said the department was able to arrest him with the help of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service (Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force).
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said there were over 100 tips received in the case. For the last two weeks, a reward for Shell’s arrest has been offered, including the most recent of $20,000.
The chief said he believes the latest increase helped lead to the arrest.
[TIMELINE: Here’s what we know about the Ocala mall shooting suspect]
News 6 obtained surveillance video from inside of the mall the moment gunfire breaks out. GRAPHIC WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised:
Police said they believe that Shell had specifically targeted David Barron, 40, though a woman was also struck by gunfire during the shooting.
“We know the victim had a prior relationship with Mr. Shell,” the chief said. “I don’t want to really go into details about the motives now in this case, but I know reasonably that this wasn’t anything other than a beef between two individuals that was resolved in a mall with a gun.”
Balken didn’t specify what Shell said after his arrest but said “some incriminating statements were made.”
Shell faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder stemming from the shooting that killed 40-year-old David Barron.
Barron’s fiancé, Marcia Harrison, reacted to the arrest of Albert Shell Jr.
“I’m rejoicing for that, but it’s still very difficult because David is not here,” Harrison said.
News 6 has learned from the victim’s fiancé that he turned 40 years old back in October. He was a father of five and also a tattoo artist in Ocala.
“He was just a wonderful person and he didn’t deserve — he did not deserve to go out the way he did,” said Harrison. “Right now, we just need justice to continue to follow through and be served for David.”
According to investigators, Barron was found dead inside the mall in front of the Macys and Starbucks after being chased by Shell, who was wearing a mask. Police said Barron tried to fight him off.
Harrison has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for Barron’s kids. To donate, click here.
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