A 48-year-old Louisiana man was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies in connection with a recent home invasion in Micanopy.
On Monday, the MCSO deputies responded to a residence on NW 123rd Court in reference to reports of an armed robbery.
Upon arrival, the deputies observed a vehicle leaving the victims’ residence. Once the driver noticed the deputies, the vehicle quickly reversed and struck a nearby tree.
According to an MCSO media release, several unknown suspects exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. An MCSO aviation unit and patrol deputies began to search the area for the suspects.
One of the suspects, later identified as Ronald Cyril Ganser, Jr., was spotted in a heavily wooded area on the victims’ property.
Ganser was detained for questioning. The aviation unit and deputies continued to search the area but were unable to locate the additional suspects.
The victims told investigators that several unknown people wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves had entered their living room. The suspects had firearms and they tied up the victims.
One of the victims was battered and another victim was forced into a separate room. The suspects stole approximately $1,000 worth of items from the residence, and they also stole the victims’ vehicle which was crashed into the tree when the deputes arrived on scene.
An MCSO detective attempted to interview Ganser about the incident, but he refused to speak without a lawyer present. He was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
Ganser is facing felony charges for kidnapping, burglary with assault or battery, and robbery with a firearm. A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, March 29 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.
MCSO Major Crimes detectives have reason to believe that this is an isolated incident. If anyone has any information that is relevant to this investigation, or if anyone observed something suspicious in the area, please contact Detective John Lightle at 352-369-6715.