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Man arrested after 1 shot in Marion County, deputies say

Suspect shoots victim amid verbal altercation, affidavit states

Brian Michael Curtis, 36 (Marion County Sheriff's Office)

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A man arrested Monday by Marion County deputies is accused of shooting someone in the ankle near Wiersdale.

Deputies were called to an address along SE 134th Avenue, locating the victim on the front porch with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to an arrest affidavit. The victim told deputies that he was shot by Brian Michael Curtis, 36, whom he allegedly knew from past relationships.

After hearing from witnesses that Curtis was likely behind the wheel of a pickup truck seen cutting across the road and stopping near the residence shortly before the shooting, the sheriff’s office received multiple calls for service regarding such a pickup truck being driven recklessly on westbound SE Highway 484 in Belleview toward Interstate 75.

One of the 911 callers then told dispatchers that Curtis was outside of his vehicle in the 13100 block of SW 16th Avenue near Ocala, allegedly telling the caller that he had shot a person who just stabbed him.

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Deputies arriving at this new scene detained Curtis and collected a Glock 43 handgun on the passenger seat of the pickup truck, according to the affidavit. Curtis claimed he was stabbed by the victim after confronting them for allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend with a vehicle, the document states, adding deputies observed a bleeding cut to Curtis’ chest.

Once at the hospital, a bag was found on Curtis’ person containing a white crystal-like substance which tested positive for methamphetamine content, deputies said.

Now speaking with the victim, deputies were told he was working on his residence outside when he heard Curtis calling his name. Curtis allegedly threw a bullet at the victim and said, “I have one of these with your name on it,” to which the victim replied, “I’m tired of your threats and I’m calling the cops,” according to the affidavit. Curtis allegedly said, “I wish you would,” before driving off, turning around, parking near the residence, and shooting at him multiple times, striking him in the ankle before driving away toward SE 134th Court and Highway 42.

Curtis faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, using or displaying a firearm during a felony, firing a weapon from a vehicle, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, records show. He was booked early Tuesday and is being held on no bond amount.


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