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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala man jailed after attacking father of child wearing gloves at laundromat

Don Elliott Merchant

A 28-year-old Ocala man is behind bars after getting upset because a child was wearing gloves at a local laundromat.

Don Elliott Merchant, of Ocala, was arrested for battery on Sunday, May 10 after getting into a confrontation at the Spin City Laundry on E. Silver Springs Blvd. He supposedly became paranoid after seeing the child wearing gloves inside the facility and got into a physical altercation with the child’s father.

Merchant was arrested for battery after putting the man in a headlock and is being held in the Marion County Jail on $2,000 bond. He is due in court June 9 at 9 a.m. to answer to the charge.

Ocala Police are reminding residents that if they see someone wearing gloves or a mask, they are just trying to protect themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are asked to adhere to protocols in public places like grocery stores but to avoid becoming aggressive toward others.