An Ocala man arrested on a battery charge last fall is back behind bars after admitting to robbing a man of nearly $600 at gunpoint on Monday night.
Kearon Deshan Powell, 21, of 2935 NE 7th St. #315, was charged with robbery with a firearm and possession of methamphetamine. He was previously arrested Sept. 18, 2019, after he and a juvenile accomplice reportedly battered a man who wanted them to leave his residence.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before midnight to the Kangaroo gas station at 4150 W. Hwy. 326, where the victim said he was robbed at gunpoint by a younger black male with dreadlocks, wearing a sweater and a mask. The victim referred to the bandit as “KP,” according to the sheriff’s office report.
The victim said a friend from Virginia had sent him $1,000 to help him, and he had already used a portion of it. He said he had about $600 left in his pockets when Powell approached him with a firearm and demanded money. The victim said Powell pointed the gun at him and told him he would kill him, the report said.
The victim said a struggle ensued and he was taken to the ground by Powell, who reached into his pockets and took about $600 in $20 bills. The victim described the weapon as a black semi-automatic handgun, according to the report.
Deputies located Powell in the area of NW 42nd Avenue Road and NW 70th street, and he matched the description given by the victim. Powell was searched, and deputies found a black BB gun that resembled a semi-automatic handgun and $580 in $20 bills, as well as a clear plastic bag with a clear rock-like substance inside. The substance field-tested positive for MDMA, the report said.
After being read his Miranda rights, Powell admitted to pointing the firearm at the victim, pushing him down and taking the money out of his pockets. He also admitted to possessing drugs, which he referred to as “molly,” according to the report.
Powell is being held in the Marion County Jail on $55,000 bond. He’ll appear in Marion County Court on June 2.