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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ocala man arrested for stalking woman multiple times in May

An Ocala man was recently arrested after a victim reported he was stalking her throughout the month of May.

A mother reported to the Marion County Sheriff’s office that a man was outside of her home with a flashlight. The mother’s son observed the man hiding in nearby bushes behind the home and said he believed the man was attempting to harass the mother’s daughter (victim), according to the sheriff’s report.

While on scene, a Marion County deputy located 26-year-old Philip Libby in a blue Subaru, and he was reported to not be cooperative. The domestic violence unit was notified and asked to take over the investigation due to the possibility of the suspect stalking the victim.

On May 9, the victim claimed Libby was parked outside her job and told her he followed a random guy around for half an hour, according to the report.

On May 16, the victim was alone at work. The victim, who says her work schedule posts online, believes that Libby accessed the document to find out when she was working. The victim claimed Libby walked into her place of work and when asked why he was there he stated, “No good reason really.” The victim claimed Libby made another comment and said he was there to “Kidnap you,” the report stated. The victim said Libby was saying emotional things and described him as looking “crazy.”

Two days later on May 18, the victim left work and observed Libby siting on a bench. The victim left and was driving when she saw a blue Subaru pull out in front of her. The victim said the Subaru was braking suddenly and revved its engine.

When she got home, she stated she could hear the car drive by the house and observed tire marks. Her older brother noticed a flashlight flickering in the woods and went outside to see Libby looking towards the house, the report stated.

A deputy located Libby and later released him but said he observed Libby facetime the victim. The victim confirmed the call. The victim reported she is in fear of Libby and believes he is becoming “unhinged.” On May 20, Libby sent text messages to the victim asking her to not get an injunction and stated he is not afraid of law enforcement, and she should get a restraining order, according to the report.

Libby was arrested on a charge of stalking and transported to the Marion County Jail on June 2 with a bond set at $500. He was released on bond on June 4 and a court date is set for July 7 at 1 p.m., jail records show.